It’s no secret. The Carolina Panthers haven’t been able to sustain their early success this season. Whether you pin it on their injury concerns at quarterback with Sam Darnold missing five games, Christian McCaffrey’s continued absence, or something bigger, they haven’t had a great year. First offensive coordinator Joe Brady was fired, then questions began to circulate regarding the future of Matt Rhule as head coach in Carolina.
But that’s not the case at all, according to team sources who spoke to Joseph Person of The Athletic. Such sources reportedly “believe” Rhule is in position to return as head coach for the Panthers once again in 2022.
The Panthers went 5-11 during his first season after taking over for Ron Rivera. Prior to Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers are 5-9 in his second season.
And it doesn’t get any easier to close out the year. Their final two games are against the New Orleans Saints, and once again facing off with the Buccaneers, this time in Tampa.
Carolina Panthers opting for stability over firing Matt Rhule
Matt Rhule faces the very real possibility of finishing his second season, the same way he finished his first, at 5-12. Even a one-win improvement wouldn’t mean much in the year with an expanded season and an additional game.
Still, the Panthers are looking to maintain stability, hoping a few changes can help turn this ship around. Which, if they can finally find their franchise quarterback, the one they haven’t had since Cam Newton was at his best, they should have a strong foundation.
If not, Panthers team owner David Tepper likely won’t hesitate to hit the reset button once again.