Panthers owner David Tepper doesn’t do half measures. If Carolina fans hadn’t already learned that lesson, today it was reinforced in stone.
The move isn’t official, but the Panthers are expected to hire Baylor coach Matt Rhule. In so doing, Tepper made a bold move that should help the franchise break out free of its stale habits and compete in the future.
Rhule’s only previous coaching job in the NFL came in 2012 when he was an offensive line assistant with the Giants. Other candidates like Josh McDaniels and Eric Bienemy had far more experience in the pros, but Tepper made it clear from the start that he wanted a younger, more innovative mind to take over his team.
The transition from coaching in college to the NFL can be a daunting one. However, Rhule has earned near-universal acclaim for what he’s done turning around what was a terrible Baylor program just a few short years ago.
The Panthers may need to pull off a similar revolution if they’re going to be contenders again anytime soon. Former coach Ron Rivera was an excellent locker room leader and culture-type coach, but for all his qualities he seemed resistant to the kind of change that’s required to stay competitive in this league.
If nothing else, Rhule brings a fresh set of eyes and a chance for the organization to start over with a clean slate. Whether or not it works out remains to be seen, but that’s the right approach for this team.
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