NanuqoftheNorth

I like the way you're thinking!

Yeah, Rhule insisted on total control before accepting the Panthers head coaching job. I suspect Matt's contract would be explicit when it comes to his span of control to prevent a situation like the OP is suggesting from occurring, at least without new contract negotiations. At that point, it is likely best if both sides just part ways for the reasons you've already mentioned.

Rhule and company have made their share of personnel mistakes to be sure, but the real problem with Matt shows up on game day, when his staff is routinely out coached by the opposition. I don't know how you fix that after two years, short of firing Rhule.

Great description!

Packers look like they've got a real good chance of making it to the big dance.

There have been some hiring rule changes for this season: ... beginning in the upcoming hiring cycle, teams are allowed to interview a candidate for a head coach position during the final two weeks of the regular season with the consent of the employer club. The interview can be virtual, and once the employing team gives consent, the candidate will be able to interview for any open head coach role. A position is considered "open" if the head coach that started the season is no longer employed by the club, or has received notice he will no longer be with the club in the following season. As it was prior to these changes, candidates not currently employed by a team are free to interview as they please. https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-teams-can-now-interview-head-coaching-candidates-during-last-two-weeks-of-se

If Dave Tepper makes his coaching decisions based on change.org petitions Panthers fans have bigger issues to worry about than Matt Rhule.

Almost two years into Rhule's reign and he's already secured the worst record of any Panthers HC during their first two seasons. Does Tepper really want to risk a third year of failure for a coach that has been given everything he asked for and still can't measure up to the performance of any of his predecessors? Matt Rhule the person seems nice enough, but Matt Rhule, Panthers HC, is downright awful.

About that two minute package...

Yeah, it must suck for Rhule to be so bad at his job, but the perks aren't bad and his bank account has never looked better.

That is what Tepper is going to have to pay in ransom to get Matt Rhule to go away.

I'd imagine that the Tampa coaching staff would have to take the day off for Rhule to stand a chance.

Awesome job if you can get it. Produce a shitty product. Get tens of millions in return.

I hear ya. This has been a humbling experience. I hadn't even heard of Rhule prior to him becoming a "hot commodity". I was willing to give the guy a chance, but it is beyond clear at this point that he isn't ready for the responsibility of being an NFL Head Coach. I'm hoping that Dave Tepper is a little humbled as well and ready to pull the plug on his college coach posthaste.

Relative to Rhule 8-8 and 7-9 are looking pretty good right now. Recall Panthers being in a scoring contest during the last game of the season trying to edge out the Saints for a playoff spot under Seifert. Couldn't even imagine that scenario happening with Rhule. Keep in mind, both of these coaches have earned a place on the Panthers Wall of Shame.

Excellent point.

Agreed, Fitterer isn't blameless in all this. Does his part rise to the level of termination? I have no idea, but I wouldn't be in a rush to keep him at this point. I certainly wouldn't be leaving it to Fitterer to choose the Panthers next HC. Bring in some outside consultant(s) with extensive success running an NFL franchise. Target recognized top tier NFL coaches this time. Amateur hour is over.

Looking at all the picks the Seahawks have foolishly given away in the last few years makes me wonder about Fitterer and what he's done so far in Carolina. I'm certainly not convinced he is essential to the Panthers future turn around. Hopefully, Tepper isn't emotionally attached to anyone associated with this train wreck.

Fhule if you think it's over... I'll tell you why.

Fhule taking Cam out was a big FU to the Panthers and their fans. Dude needs to be packing his stuff up tomorrow morning.

Product Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

Rhule is now coaching on borrowed time.

The mark of a well coached team.

Yeah, tomorrow is promised to no one. Follow the OP's advice and make the most of today! Fortunately, finding something/anything more enjoyable that watching this poor excuse for a NFL team should be a low bar to clear for just about all of us. For instance, I plan on impaling my eyes with two red hot pokers. Granted, it likely won't be much fun, and it might not be much of an improvement over another Sunday of Panthers football, but I know I'll never have to watch Matt Rhule on the sidelines again. So I've got that going for me, which is nice.

At this point, the Panthers turnaround begins and ends with Dave Tepper. Until he recognizes his mistake and corrects it, this team is just digging a deeper hole for itself.