Panthers coach Matt Rhule comes into the NFL as one of the highest-paid coaches, making even more than Andy Reid per year. He’s going to have to earn his money. Rhule has inherited one of the league’s weakest rosters and its most difficult schedule this year according to some projections.
The traditional goals for teams like winning the Super Bowl or division or even making the playoffs will likely be out of reach for Carolina this year, no matter how good Rhule is at his job.
The challenges ahead are laid clear in Rhule’s odds to win the Coach of the Year award. According to BetMGM, Rhule is at +4000, or 40/1. That ties him for the fourth-worst odds in the NFL.
Here’s where all 32 coaches stand.
Bill Belichick (Patriots): +1000
Bruce Arians (Buccaneers): +1400
Mike McCarthy (Cowboys): +1400
Kyle Shanahan (49ers): +1600
Frank Reich (Colts): +2000
Sean McDermott (Bills): +2000
Mike Vrabel (Titans): +2000
Andy Reid (Chiefs): +2000
John Harbaugh (Ravens): +2000
Sean Payton (Saints): +2200
Sean McVay (Rams): +2200
Pete Carroll (Seahawks): +2500
Mike Tomlin (Steelers): +2500
Zac Taylor (Bengals): +2500
Vic Fangio (Broncos): +2500
Doug Pederson (Eagles): +2800
Ron Rivera (Redskins): +2800
Anthony Lynn (Chargers): +2800
Matt LaFleur (Packers): +3000
Mike Zimmer (Vikings): +3000
Dan Quinn (Falcons): +3000
Matt Rhule (Panthers): +4000
Matt Nagy (Bears): +4000
Adam Gase (Jets): +4000
Joe Judge (Giants): +4000
Jon Gruden (Raiders): +4000
Matt Patricia (Lions): +5000
Bill O’Brien (Texans): +5000
Doug Marrone (Jaguars): +5000
Realistically, if Rhule is going to have any chance to win the award the Panthers will have to win 10 games and earn a wild card spot. We’re projecting a 6-10 season, but some have them being as bad as 3-13.
