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The Carolina Panthers fired head coach Ron Rivera on December 3rd, and they are actively moving through the process to find his replacement. The team reportedly interviewed Mike McCarthy last week, and now are looking to interview Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, according to ESPN’s David Newton.
Rhule has been on the radar the past couple years amidst his turnaround at Baylor, and he almost landed a job last year. He was moving through the process with the New York Jets, but eventually backed out when former general manager Mike Maccagnan wanted more say in the coaching staff.
Newton is reporting the Panthers would like to interview New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels among others. Interim head coach Perry Fewell will get an interview as well, according to multiple reports.
The next head coach faces a potentially daunting challenge. It will help to have Christian McCaffrey and a talented if under-achieving defense, but the new coach could be without quarterback Cam Newton. The team is considering whether or not to trade him when the new league year starts. Injuries have been an issue, but he remains an incredibly talented quarterback. Kyle Allen isn’t the answer and Will Grier is an unknown to some degree. The new coach will not be in a rebuilding process, but will face some challenges.