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Matt Rhule would Re-Energize the Panthers Franchise

By Christian Candeloro

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Baylor Bears is presented the Shootout trophy for winning the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Baylor defeated Texas Tech 35-24. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Baylor Bears is presented the Shootout trophy for winning the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Baylor defeated Texas Tech 35-24. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Baylor coach Matt Rhule is emerging as the top candidate for the Panthers opening.

There is a coach out there that specializes in taking broken and struggling organizations and turning them into highly successful winners. Baylor head coach Matt Rhule has emerged as a top candidate for the Panthers’ head coaching position and he fits everything that the Panthers need in a head coach.

Rhule has a history of taking over programs that are down on their luck and establishing a culture that builds them into consistent winners. He takes over bare cupboards and rebuilds the talent, energy, and accountability that are required to win football games.

In 2012, Rhule took over a bare Temple program making the transition from the MAC to the American Athletic Conference. The team was outmatched in its first year, winning only two games and being outclassed by even Rutgers, UConn, and Idaho.

Three years later, the Owls culminated back to back 10-win seasons. Temple announced its presence by dominating Penn State and coming within one play of beating Notre Dame.

Rhule parlayed that success at Temple into the head coaching position at Baylor, a program in complete shambles. The program had just fired head coach Art Briles following a massive sexual assault scandal that had caused a mass exodus among the players.

The Bears fought hard for their first-year coach but limped to a 1-11 season. Rhule grew with freshman quarterback Charlie Brewer and now two years later the Bears are No. 7 in the nation and playing in the Sugar Bowl against No. 5 Georgia on New Year’s Day.

If there were ever a team in need of a coach like Rhule, it’s the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have a chance to build around the pieces on the roster or completely rebuild. Rhule could use his talent to build the Panthers into a consistent winner again.

According to Adam Schefter, the Panthers’ biggest obstacle to hiring Rhule will be the New York Giants.

If the Panthers are looking to change the direction of the team after the firing of an icon like Ron Rivera, Rhule represents an enticing option.

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