The relationship between the Carolina Panthers and head coach Matt Rhule may be as fluid and uncertain as any in the league at the moment. So if you were Pep Hamilton, would that be particularly appealing to you?
As first reported by Aaron Wilson of Houston’s Sports Talk 790 on Tuesday, Hamilton turned down an interview request from the Panthers for their offensive coordinator opening. While there could certainly be a multitude of reasons for his choice—some of which may not even involve Carolina—the widely-respected quarterback whisperer may just want to finally take a load off.
While joining WFNZ’s The Clubhouse with Kyle Bailey this week, the Houston Chronicle‘s John McClain suggested Hamilton may have been turned off by the Panthers due to a few deciding factors. One may involve a promotion from the Texans to their play-calling post, and the other may have to do with Rhule being on shaky ground.
“If he went to the Panthers, and then if all the stories are true about Matt Rhule being on the hot seat, Matt could be out after next season,” McClain proposed. “Pep has had four jobs in three years. And he keeps the boxes packed. And you know at some point, he would like to unpack them.”
Those boxes must’ve really seen some stuff recently. Hamilton has gone from the Indianapolis Colts in 2015, to the Cleveland Browns in 2016, to the University of Michigan in 2017 and 2018, to the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020, to the Los Angeles Chargers later on that year and, of course, to Texas in 2021.
Working under Rhule, who led the Panthers on a seven-game losing streak to close out the season en route to a 5-12 mark, probably wouldn’t provide Hamilton with much assurance—something McClain theorizes would appeal to the 47-year-old.
“At some point, I guess he’s looking for stability,” he added. “And with so many coaches being fired—if I were gonna leave and go somewhere else, I’m looking for a coach who’s starting off. Not where a coach’s job is in jeopardy.”
Additionally, Hamilton’s proven track record should not only provide him with an immediate upgrade in Houston, but an opportunity as a head coach elsewhere. And if that’s the case, he might have to just wait it out one more year to actually find himself back home in Charlotte, N.C.
