The Carolina Panthers got off to a 3-0 start in 2021 under Matt Rhule.
It was his second season with the team and it seemed like his plans would finally come to fruition.
The team finished the season at 5-12.
Sam Darnold‘s nice start faded fast and offensive coordinator Joe Brady became the fall guy and was fired.
Then came the addition of Cam Newton.
He showed up in heroic fashion with a few touchdowns in a win over the Arizona Cardinals to get to 5-5.
Seven consecutive losses followed and Rhule was able to escape the firing spree that took place last week.
We now know his job is safe because reports keep coming out about the list of candidates he is looking at for his new offensive coordinator.
Matt Rhule looking for experience in the #Panthers’ next offensive coordinator. Sources say Rhule also sent some feelers Chip Kelly’s way (not sure if he officially interviewed) before Kelly re-upped to stay at UCLA. https://t.co/AybpQj4wL3
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 18, 2022
Jay Gruden and Ben McAdoo are two former head coaches on his list that features some serious name recognition.
A Tricky Situation In Carolina
Rhule has to be on the hot seat heading into the 2022 season.
He is 10-23 in two seasons and it does not matter if Christian McCaffrey has been hurt for much of that time.
Adjustments must be made and Rhule has failed to do just that.
One glaring issue has been his handling of the quarterback position.
First he got rid of Newton upon arrival and went with Teddy Bridgewater.
That didn’t go as planned so he got Darnold and the team even exercised the quarterback’s fifth-year option.
The Panthers are now on the hook for that money unless they find a taker for Darnold in a trade.
Jay Gruden is a very intriguing option to me. Lots of experience and is a former QB himself. Went to a Super Bowl as an OC.
— PanthersDrafter (@PanthersDrafter) January 18, 2022
That makes this offensive coordinator job a tough one to advertise.
However, coaches like Gruden and McAdoo may just be seeking an opportunity to rebuild their respective reputations, no matter the team.
NEXT: NFL World Reacts To Latest Panthers QB Decision
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