NanuqoftheNorth

Yes it is. At the end of the day, all emotions aside, the Panthers are selling entertainment. If the product they produce is of poor quality, consumers will eventually find other places to spend their dollars. Tepper has a chance in the next few weeks to take the bull by the horns or do nothing and watch as vampire squid, Matt Rhule, sucks the life out of this franchise.

What Tepper does going forward will likely determine how I spend my Sundays next season. Life is short and I simply can't imagine spending my valuable free time watching Rhule try and muddle his way through another season.

Yeah, it's Tepper's move. He can either hire an outside NFL consultant to help him out of this mess, or try and figure it all out with the help of his current GM/office management, or he can simply double down on Matt Rhule. The first option would seem to be best considering Tepper's record so far, with option two being less than optimal, but far better than option three.

Pure speculation, but if Tepper was visibly disappointed during the earlier games this season (he was) and now he is dispassionate, I wouldn't read that as a good sign if I'm Matt Rhule. Tepper's detachment may indicate he's already come to a decision about the future of his current HC. Then again, it could just be wishful thinking on my part.

From the article: Hopefully Dave Tepper has had enough of Rhule's reign and is now doing what is necessary to bring in an extremely professional and highly competent NFL coaching staff for the 2022 season.

Maybe, but I doubt it. The self-confidence and ego required to lead a bunch of alpha males likely wouldn't allow a viable coaching candidate to believe it would ever happen to him.

I like the way you're thinking!

Yeah, Rhule insisted on total control before accepting the Panthers head coaching job. I suspect Matt's contract would be explicit when it comes to his span of control to prevent a situation like the OP is suggesting from occurring, at least without new contract negotiations. At that point, it is likely best if both sides just part ways for the reasons you've already mentioned.

Rhule and company have made their share of personnel mistakes to be sure, but the real problem with Matt shows up on game day, when his staff is routinely out coached by the opposition. I don't know how you fix that after two years, short of firing Rhule.

Great description!

Packers look like they've got a real good chance of making it to the big dance.

There have been some hiring rule changes for this season: ... beginning in the upcoming hiring cycle, teams are allowed to interview a candidate for a head coach position during the final two weeks of the regular season with the consent of the employer club. The interview can be virtual, and once the employing team gives consent, the candidate will be able to interview for any open head coach role. A position is considered "open" if the head coach that started the season is no longer employed by the club, or has received notice he will no longer be with the club in the following season. As it was prior to these changes, candidates not currently employed by a team are free to interview as they please. https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-teams-can-now-interview-head-coaching-candidates-during-last-two-weeks-of-se

If Dave Tepper makes his coaching decisions based on change.org petitions Panthers fans have bigger issues to worry about than Matt Rhule.

Almost two years into Rhule's reign and he's already secured the worst record of any Panthers HC during their first two seasons. Does Tepper really want to risk a third year of failure for a coach that has been given everything he asked for and still can't measure up to the performance of any of his predecessors? Matt Rhule the person seems nice enough, but Matt Rhule, Panthers HC, is downright awful.

About that two minute package...

Yeah, it must suck for Rhule to be so bad at his job, but the perks aren't bad and his bank account has never looked better.

That is what Tepper is going to have to pay in ransom to get Matt Rhule to go away.

I'd imagine that the Tampa coaching staff would have to take the day off for Rhule to stand a chance.

Awesome job if you can get it. Produce a shitty product. Get tens of millions in return.

I hear ya. This has been a humbling experience. I hadn't even heard of Rhule prior to him becoming a "hot commodity". I was willing to give the guy a chance, but it is beyond clear at this point that he isn't ready for the responsibility of being an NFL Head Coach. I'm hoping that Dave Tepper is a little humbled as well and ready to pull the plug on his college coach posthaste.

Relative to Rhule 8-8 and 7-9 are looking pretty good right now. Recall Panthers being in a scoring contest during the last game of the season trying to edge out the Saints for a playoff spot under Seifert. Couldn't even imagine that scenario happening with Rhule. Keep in mind, both of these coaches have earned a place on the Panthers Wall of Shame.

Excellent point.

Agreed, Fitterer isn't blameless in all this. Does his part rise to the level of termination? I have no idea, but I wouldn't be in a rush to keep him at this point. I certainly wouldn't be leaving it to Fitterer to choose the Panthers next HC. Bring in some outside consultant(s) with extensive success running an NFL franchise. Target recognized top tier NFL coaches this time. Amateur hour is over.

Looking at all the picks the Seahawks have foolishly given away in the last few years makes me wonder about Fitterer and what he's done so far in Carolina. I'm certainly not convinced he is essential to the Panthers future turn around. Hopefully, Tepper isn't emotionally attached to anyone associated with this train wreck.

Fhule if you think it's over... I'll tell you why.