Report: Panthers hiring Matt Rhule as their new head coach

The #Panthers are hiring #Baylor coach Matt Rhule, source says (as @PeteThamel reported). They are working out the deal as we speak. They did not want him to get on the plane to the #Giants.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2020

The Panthers are hiring Matt Rhule to be their next head coach, according to Ian Rapoport at NFL Network. Pete Thamel at Yahoo Sports had the scoop first.

The team was set to interview three other candidates later this week, including interim coach Perry Fewell, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.

Apparently, team owner David Tepper spent Monday in Waco with Rhule and his family and was sold, per Rapoport.

The #Panthers had a top two of Josh McDaniels and Matt Rhule. Owner David Tepper spent yesterday in Waco with Rhule and his family, and he heard enough. Rather than risk Rhule getting on the plane, he made a deal. Rhule is now Carolina’s coach.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2020

Rhule has done a tremendous job turning around Baylor’s program in a few years. They went from being a 1-11 team in 2017 and finished 11-3 this season.