We Will RHULE The South!

Photo by Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Can I get an Amen! Rhule Baptist Church is now in session! On January 7, 2020, the Carolina Panthers named Matt Rhule as their 5th full-time head coach in the franchise’s history. On January 8, 2020 Rhule won the introductory press conference, his charisma gave us glimpses of how he continually won over the various locker rooms he has been in. When he was done, I wanted to suit up and run through a wall for him!

Coaching Record

Matt Rhule has a career coaching record of 47-43 (.522), but that doesn’t give you the full scope as to why he was labeled a great candidate. Rhule has been called a leader of men and an awesome program builder. He won at Temple and rebuilt Baylor. His 1st head coaching opportunity came in 2013, with the Temple Owls. At the time they had an abysmal record of 2-10, under Rhule’s each season there after improved. In 2014, they were 6-6 but proved their self-victorious in 2015 & 2016 by winning the AAC Eastern Division Championship, and the Military bowl in 2016. On December 6, 2016 Rhule agreed to become the head coach of Baylor University. This was by far his most impressive job, taking over for the embattled Art Briles. In his 1st year Baylor went 1-11, due to players transferring but he was still able to improve the record to 7-6. 2019 was a big year for Baylor, as they went 11-3 including a loss in the Sugar Bowl. From 2017-2019, the roster only had (8) Four Star Recruits as opposed to perennial Big 12 Champion, Oklahoma having a whopping (48) Four Star & Five Star recruits.

Steve Smith said it best, “Who wins at Temple?!?!”

Contract and Future Outlook for the Panther’s Franchise

Rhule’s contract is for 7 years and $60 million dollars, with the potential to hit $70 million by meeting certain benchmarks. This move signals to me that the Panthers are in for a long rebuild. David Tepper seems to have given Rhule the keys to the franchise, now we have to question the future of the Captain’s Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. Are they willing to buy into a rebuild? When asked about Newton’s future, Rhule seemed noncommittal either way. David Tepper has been quoted saying, “he’s committed to spending 5 years transitioning, for 20 years of sustained success”. Are we as a fan base willing to endure that? Time will tell, but I’m all in on the Rhule hire!

-Rodney