Watch: Matt Rhule comments on his decision to leave Baylor for the Panthers

The Panthers have made official this morning’s reports that they’re hiring Matt Rhule to be the fifth head coach in franchise history.

The Panthers have made official this morning’s reports that they’re hiring Matt Rhule to be the fifth head coach in franchise history. Rhule was the most sought after college coach in this hiring cycle after he turned around the programs at Temple then Baylor. In this video, he talks about his decision to leave the college game for the NFL.

Rhule’s seven-year deal with the Panthers is worth up to $70 million if he hits all his incentives, according to ESPN. That level of commitment gives Rhule the kind of power and stability that rookie coaches in the NFL rarely achieve.

[lawrence-related id=616848,616799]

[vertical-gallery id=616831]

David Tepper wants Matt Rhule to turn Panthers around quickly

In hiring coach Matt Rhule, owner David Tepper shows this is his team now.

There no longer is any question about who is running the show for the Carolina Panthers. It’s become increasingly obvious that it’s owner David Tepper.

The latest – and, perhaps, strongest — evidence of that came Tuesday morning when the Panthers hired former Baylor coach Matt Rhule as the fifth coach in franchise history. This hiring has Tepper’s fingerprints all over it.

Like many things that have happened since Tepper bought the team from founder Jerry Richardson, this breaks from franchise history. Richardson had a pattern when it came to hiring head coaches. He went with rising NFL coordinators when he hired Dom Capers, John Fox and Ron Rivera. He broke from style a bit when he hired former 49ers coach George Seifert.

But you get the picture. Richardson always went with coaches with deep NFL experience. Rhule doesn’t have that. He has only one season of NFL coaching experience, coaching the offensive line for the New York Giants in 2012. But he impressed Tepper enough to get a seven-year contract that could be worth up to $70 million.

In breaking with franchise tradition, Tepper is going with the current curve in the NFL. This move shows he realizes the NFL is becoming more like the college game. Many teams on both levels are using the read-pass option offense. It’s also obvious Tepper wanted a coach with a reputation for building in a hurry.

Rhule has that reputation. Let’s take a look at Rhule, what he’s gotten himself into and what he needs to do to succeed in Carolina.

Build — and win — quickly

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Rhule has a history of building teams and turning them around in a hurry. That’s one of the main reasons he got the job. At Baylor, the Bears went 1-11 in Rhule’s first season (2017), but went 11-3 in 2019. He previously coached at Temple, where he led the Owls to consecutive 10-win seasons for the first time in school history. Can he build as rapidly in the NFL as he did in college.

It’s going to be tough. The Panthers were 5-11 this season. The New Orleans Saints have dominated the NFC South recently. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be a team on the rise. The Atlanta Falcons have enough talent with quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones to bounce back from two disappointing seasons.

What Ron Rivera needs to succeed with Redskins

Touchdown Wire examines the keys for coach Ron Rivera to succeed in Washington.

The Washington Redskins were a laughingstock in 2019. They went 3-13. They fired coach Jay Gruden during the season.

Amid wide reports of dysfunction, they also fired long-time team president Bruce Allen immediately after the season. Gruden wasn’t a good coach and Allen wasn’t good on the personnel side, plus he wasn’t above feeding fans and media a steady stream of lies.

But that era is over. Maybe now, it’s finally time for owner Daniel Snyder to get things right. He took a major step in that direction when he hired coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday.

One of the most respected coaches in the league, Rivera brings instant credibility to the Redskins. But can Rivera succeed in a job where others have struggled through most of Snyder’s tenure in a place where a once-rabid fan base has soured?

Let’s take a look at what Rivera needs to succeed in Washington.

6. Freedom

(Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

Owner Daniel Snyder has been accused of being meddlesome in the past. The most recent example came when it was reported that Gruden didn’t want to draft quarterback Dwayne Haskins this year, but Allen and Snyder did and they did what they wanted. Rivera isn’t going to play that way. He’s his own man with strong convictions. Snyder needs to focus on getting a new stadium built and leave the football up to Rivera.

Ranking the NFL’s coaching vacancies

Touchdown Wire ranks the NFL coaching jobs from least to most attractive.

The NFL Network reported Tuesday that Ron Rivera has agreed to contract terms to be the next coach of the Washington Redskins.

That’s no surprise because it appeared as if Rivera was Washington’s main target for several days. Washington got the best coach out there. But did Rivera get the best situation out the? I don’t think so.

Washington, a marquee franchise back in the days of Joe Gibbs (the first time) and George Allen, has become a dysfunctional organization by all accounts. It’s well known that owner Dan Snyder is hands on and some would say meddlesome. Washington is not a very attractive situation for a coach. There are better jobs out there.

At the moment, the jobs for the Panthers, Giants and Browns are available. Dallas also could come open at any time, so we’re going to include the Cowboys in the following discussion.

Here’s how the three open jobs, plus Dallas, rank in terms of attractiveness.

4. Cleveland Browns

David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

This is not a good job by any means. Owner Jimmy Haslam is not afraid to spend money, but it’s been widely reported that the organization has been dysfunctional throughout his tenure. Previous coach Freddie Kitchens was fired after just one season of 6-10. Haslam may have unrealistic expectations and a short fuse. Despite a die-hard fan base, Cleveland has long been a tough place to win. On the plus side, Baker Mayfield, a young quarterback with some promise, already is in place and so are running back Nick Chubb and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. But, still, this job shouldn’t be anyone’s first choice, unless they have no other choice.

Panthers end miserable 2019 season with 42-10 loss to Saints

When a 42-10 loss in Week 17 is a fitting end to your year, then you probably had a miserable year.

When a 42-10 loss in Week 17 is a fitting end to your year, then you probably had a miserable year. Sadly, that is the harsh reality for the 2019 Carolina Panthers.

Sunday’s season finale had a little bit of everything from what manifested into an abominable campaign, one that ended with a win-less second half. We saw a lifeless defense, underwhelming quarterback play and an overall lack of direction en route to an eighth straight loss. We even got another Kyle Allen end zone-interception to cap off the game. If that’s not the perfect cherry on top of these last four months, then what is?

With the chance to sour the Saints’ Kool-Aid and knock them off a potential first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs, the Panthers never looked ready. That was obvious from the jump, when (not top-10 quarterback of all-time) Drew Brees led his offense to a brisk 75-yard scoring drive.

Running back Alvin Kamara finished the eight-play possession with an easy 15-yard touchdown, all in a matter of four minutes and 12 seconds. He’d add another on a one-yard punch-in with 1:01 left in the first quarter, lifting New Orleans to a 14-0 lead that would never be challenged.

Following a pick-six from former Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein courtesy of rookie Will Grier, the Saints proceeded with their usual “our offense is smarter is than yours” approach. Tight end Jared Cook, wideout Tre’Quan Smith and, of course, quarterback Taysom Hill would all score on touchdown passes from Brees.

Carolina’s lone bright spot, in another apt development, came in the form of some more history from Christian McCaffrey. With a 17-yard catch-and-run late in the third quarter, McCaffrey became just the third player in league history to amass 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. He’d fittingly punctuate the same drive with a one-yard touchdown, the only time the Panthers reached the end zone in the last two weeks.

After what has now materialized into as bad of a 5-11 season as it could possibly get, the focus of the franchise now shifts into uncharted waters.

What will the most cloudy offseason in the organization’s history hold?

Which direction will owner David Tepper take his relatively new toy in?

Are the Panthers looking to rebuild or retool?

Will they opt for a veteran NFL mind such as Mike McCarthy or Josh McDaniels to head their next coaching staff or do they follow the latest trend and pluck an innovative offensive play-caller out of the collegiate ranks?

And, perhaps most importantly, who will be left following what could be quite an exodus? Will the immediate futures of Cam Newton, Greg Olsen and even Mary Hurney be in Charlotte?

When you have a year like the Panthers just did, nobody knows for sure.

[lawrence-related id=616393]

[vertical-gallery id=616419]

David Tepper says next Panthers coach will have input on assistant GM search

Here’s what Tepper told Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated.

The Carolina Panthers have three games left to play in the 2019 season. The real story will be what happens behind the scenes over these next few weeks, though. After firing coach Ron Rivera last week after nearly nine years, the team is expected to go in a different direction with its next hire.

Team owner David Tepper isn’t giving away too many specifics, but he does want the next coach to have input on the other big front office hire: the assistant general manager/VP of football operations gig. Here’s what Tepper told Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated.

“You’d like to have the head coach have some input into the AGM because that AGM will be involved in certain things that the head coaches is involved in too—training room, health and safety, the strength coach, sports science, all those things go together.”

That they do.

One major unsettled question will be what general manager Marty Hurney’s role will be. If he’s to stay in his current position, it could scare off potential candidates. Some recent reporting suggests Hurney will be stepping into more of an advisory role, though – leaving the real decisions to whomever Tepper plans to hire for this new position.

Who’s on Tepper’s list? It would make sense for him to hit up the Steelers for front office talent given his connections with that organization. Adam Schefter at ESPN reported on Sunday he is interested in two Pittsburgh executives: GM Kevin Colbert and VP Omar Khan.

Don’t expect Mike Tomlin to be involved. Tepper unequivocally shot down that rumor, essentially saying he wouldn’t want to cross Steelers owner Art Rooney.

Other coach candidates who are reported to be in the mix include Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman and former Packers coach Mike McCarthy.

[lawrence-related id=615541,615553]

[vertical-gallery id=615334]

Report: Panthers owner David Tepper interested in 2 Steelers executives

According to a report by Adam Schefter at ESPN, team owner David Tepper has his eye on two Steelers executives.

The Carolina Panthers have a division game to play in about an hour. Today’s big stories are all about the future of the franchise, though. This morning, Ian Rapoport at NFL Network reported the team is expected to trade Cam Newton this offseason, provided they can get a large enough return in the deal. Now, we have reporting on who may be joining the new-look front office in 2020.

According to Adam Schefter at ESPN, team owner David Tepper has his eye on two Steelers executives.

“There are those around the league who believe that Tepper is eyeing Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert, whose contract is up after this season, and/or vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan, according to league sources.”

Tepper has a lot of connections to Pittsburgh as he’s a minority owner there. He will have to sell that stake as part of buying the Panthers, though. Nevertheless, at some point Tepper was going to lean on his experience with the Steelers. This could be the first real step in that direction.

If the idea is to follow Pittsburgh’s blueprint, then Tepper has the right idea. One thing the Panthers organization needs is consistency. They have never compiled two winning seasons in a row. Meanwhile, the Steelers are a model of continuity: they have only employed three head coaches since 1969 and haven’t had a losing record since 2003.

This season, they’re in the middle of a wild card race despite a series of disasters at the quarterback position, punctuated by Ben Roethlisberger’s season ending injury. Pittsburgh’s decision to trade a first-round draft pick to the Dolphins for Minkah Fitzpatrick has paid off in a huge way. That’s the kind of bold move that can keep teams competitive despite being limited by serious injuries – and it’s an element that’s been missing in Charlotte for too long.

The question is if qualified candidates like Colbert and Khan will be willing to take a position that is subordinate to Carolina’s current general manager Marty Hurney. Based on Tepper’s public comments over the last few days, Hurney’s job sounds completely safe.

[lawrence-related id=615287]

[vertical-gallery id=615133]

Report: Panthers open to trading Cam Newton at right price

According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL.com, the Panthers are expected to trade Cam Newton this offseason provided they can get a large haul.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL.com, the Panthers are expected to trade Cam Newton this offseason provided they can get a large haul.

“Newton is due just $18.6 million for 2019, a cheap asset that Carolina hasn’t ruled out holding onto if he can show he can be himself again. In today’s game, nearly $19 million for a starting QB is not expensive. However, the expectation is that the Panthers will attempt to trade Newton this offseason provided they can get a large deal to make it worth their while.”

Consider us skeptical about this report. We’re cynical but fans should always take game-day trade reports and rumors with a grain of salt. It also goes against what we have heard from the organization.

Owner David Tepper has said that no decision will be made about Cam Newton’s future until he’s 100%. He’s having surgery to repair his injured foot this week. How long it takes for Newton to recover depends, but until it happens it would come as a shock to see Newton get traded.

If Rapoport is right, then the Panthers are likely on the verge of a major rebuild. Whether they trade Cam or not, the roster is going to look dramatically different in 2020 given all the pending free agents they have. The team will also be starting over with a new head coach, so in some ways it makes sense to clean the slate and let them pick their own QB.

That said, talented franchise quarterbacks like Newton don’t come along very often. If they do the deal, this front office group might be looking for his successor for a long time.

[lawrence-related id=615165]

[vertical-gallery id=615133]

Ron Rivera thanks Panthers, fans in public farewell letter

A class act until the end.

You can question any number of decisions Ron Rivera made in his last season as the Panthers’ head coach. You can’t question his character, which has shown through again these last few days despite the circumstances.

Today, Rivera took out a full-page ad in the Charlotte Observer, thanking the Carolina organization that just fired him as well as the fans.

A class act until the end.

[lawrence-related id=615185]

[vertical-gallery id=615133]

With Ron Rivera’s firing, Panthers owner David Tepper is blazing his own trail

In firing coach Ron Rivera, Panthers owner David Tepper continues to distance franchise from former owner Jerry Richardson

If you walk alongside Bank of America Stadium, you’ll see statues of three men.

There’s one of legendary linebacker Sam Mills. Another of initial team president Mike McCormick. Then ,there’s one of the man they called “The Big Cat’’ back before he disappeared in disgrace.

That’s Jerry Richardson. The man who once held legendary status in the Carolinas.

Now, the statue is just about the only remnant of Richardson around the Carolina Panthers. Second-year owner David Tepper seems determined to get rid of anything involving Richardson.

The latest – and biggest example – came Tuesday as Tepper, who bought the team from Richardson, fired coach Ron Rivera, a Richardson hire. Tepper previously has parted ways with numerous people with deep ties to Richardson. We’re talking about people like Phil Youtsey, the team’s initial ticket director, and Jackie Miles, the team’s initial equipment manager.

Sure, the main reason Tepper fired Rivera was the team’s performance. The Panthers are 5-7 and have lost four straight, including Sunday’s embarrassing home loss to the lowly Washington Redskins. There also was last year’s collapse in which the Panthers lost seven of their last eight games.

Yeah, Rivera is respected around the league and had some success in Carolina. He was 76-63-1 in nine seasons, took the Panthers to four postseason appearances and one Super Bowl berth.

But the NFL is about what you’ve done lately and Rivera hadn’t done much. You could blame some of that on the fact franchise quarterback Cam Newton ended last season and this season on injured reserve. But, ultimately, the coach has to take the fall when things go wrong.

Rivera never had back-to-back winning seasons (that’s never happened in the history of a franchise that began play in 1995). But there’s more to it than that.

Tepper seems determined to erase anything that has to do with Richardson. Only the statue can’t be touched. After buying the team, Tepper said he was “contractually obligated’’ to keep the statue. It’s unclear if that obligation was part of the deal with Richardson or a separate agreement with the city.

If that obligation wasn’t in place, you can bet the statue already would be gone. Tepper wants to wipe out any traces of Richardson and that’s understandable. Richardson left a stain on the Panthers.

That’s still hard for many in the Carolinas to understand because, for years, Richardson seemed like a perfect story and was a regional icon. Here’s the quick story on Richardson’s background. He grew up in Eastern North Carolina and played receiver at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. Then, he spent two seasons catching passes from Johnny Unitas for the Baltimore Colts.

Richardson then returned to Spartanburg and used his NFL money to start the first Hardee’s and it grew into a fast-food empire. Richardson then got the idea to bring about an NFL team that would represent both Carolinas. He used his wealth and NFL connections to make it happen.

Publicly, he always behaved like the perfect Southern gentleman. He sure fooled me.

I covered the Panthers for The Charlotte Observer from 1999 to 2008 and thought I knew Richardson well. I respected and admired him. He was one of the first people to call me after my father died. When I spent a month in Philadelphia with my sister after she had a bone-marrow transplant, Richardson called me twice a week to see how she was doing. He threw a farewell luncheon when I left The Observer for ESPN.

I bought it and so did the people of the Carolinas. But Richardson’s empire and image crashed in 2017 when Sports Illustrated reported that Richardson had given large financial settlements to four former female employees for inappropriate behavior in the workplace and to a scout against whom he used a racial slur.

Richardson essentially pled guilty by immediately announcing he was selling the team. Enter Tepper, who previously was a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tepper has been on a mission to distance the franchise from Richardson. Who’s next to fall?

Perhaps general manager Marty Hurney, who did two stints under Richardson and convinced the owner to hire both previous coach John Fox and Rivera. Hurney apparently remains in his job – for now. But it sure looks like he’s on shaky ground.

If Hurney remains in place, his track record suggests that he’ll push for a coach who is a rising star as a coordinator. But, ultimately, the next hire is up to Tepper.

For those who are connecting Tepper’s Pittsburgh background to Bill Cowher’s North Carolina background, forget about it. Cowher has shown no interest in a return to coaching and, besides, he’s been out of it too long.

Interim coach Perry Fewell? No chance.

The new coach will come from outside. Tepper’s going to continue to clean house. Eventually, all of the Richardson residue will be gone. Except for that statue.

 

Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.