Much has been made of the Carolina Panthers’ ongoing search for a new offensive coordinator—including the job status of head coach Matt Rhule. If he reportedly cannot land a play-caller of owner David Tepper’s liking, it could mean curtains for his tenure.
But that doesn’t seem to be the case, at least according to Rhule himself.
This past Sunday, FOX’s NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that 46-year-old’s future with the team may hinge on him bringing aboard a “rockstar” offensive coordinator. Rhule, during today’s interview on WNFZ’s The Mac Attack, had a much different story.
“I’ve never been told that my status depends on who I hire,” he said. “In fact, every conversation I’ve had with David Tepper has been—I think I saw him twice Monday, twice Tuesday—it’s always been long-term vision, long-term vision, long-term vision,” he said. “‘Hey, we know what we need to do. We know we need to build the backbone of the team. Control the line of scrimmage. We need to solidify ourselves at quarterback. We need to get the staff where we want it.’ It’s all been that.”
Well, considering he’s now let go of four of his assistants, he’s certainly right about having to get that staff. In addition to the midseason firing of former offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Rhule dismissed special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, offensive line coach Pat Meyer and defensive line coach Frank Okam on Tuesday.
Hopefully for Rhule, Tepper shares that “long-term vision” amidst what’s looking to be the development of some long-term issues within the organization.
