Following Sunday’s 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Carolina Panthers fell to a 1-4 start of the season. After several blowouts this season, Panthers owner David Tepper has made the decision to fire head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule will end his career with the Carolina Panthers finishing 11-27. Although Rhule has been fired, the Panthers have to pay out the hiring deal unless he takes another deal to cancel out what he’s owed by the Panthers. 

  Coach Rhule’s past with the Panthers was the primary aspect of Tepper’s decision. In 2020, the team went 5-1, following with a 5-12 season in 2021. Even with the past season outcomes, Tepper anticipated that Rhule could rectify the situation in his third year as head coach. 

  Although the Panthers gained Baker Mayfield in the offseason, he has not exceeded the team’s expectations. Mayfield has only completed 54.9 percent of his passes and has averaged fewer than 200 yards passing per game with four touchdowns and four interceptions. As the offense has pushed the Panthers into an uncomfortable position, it has also put unsuitable pressure on the Panthers defense.

  Carolina’s defensive coordinator and secondary coach Steve Wilks will serve as the interim head coach. The permanent head coach position has not been decided. However, according to Tepper, “No promises were made, but if he does an incredible job, he has to be in consideration.” Ultimately, Tepper looked at all aspects before finalizing the decision, but many fans would say that he was “ridiculously patient” to fire Rhule. The Panthers have not had the season outcomes that they have wanted, but in hopes of hiring a new coach, they might be able to turn their season around.