Carolina Panthers let go of Matt Rhule after 11-27 record
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By WSOCTV.com News Staff
CHARLOTTE — After a 1-4 start to the 2022 season, Matt Rhule is no longer the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Monday.
The move comes after a loss at home to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The loss brought Rhule’s coaching record to 11-27, which is a .289 winning percentage.
Rhule was hired as the fifth head coach for the Panthers in January 2020 after successful seasons at Baylor University and Temple University. His first season as head coach led the Panthers to a 5-11 record; his second season brought a 5-12 record.
Discontent had been growing among Panthers fans, as Sunday’s game drew a large crowd of 49ers fans, along with boos from many Carolina followers. During a news conference Monday afternoon, Panthers owner David Tepper acknowledged that a change had to be made after Sunday.
“There might have been a little bit of loss of intensity on the field yesterday. I would say that’s probably evident versus the first four games,” Tepper told reporters, including Channel 9′s Phil Orban. “I have great respect for the fans and I do hear the fans, but ultimately, those that can’t be a reason why you make a change like this. But again, there’s numerous reasons why you make a change like this.”
Less than 24 hours after quarterback Baker Mayfield was spotted in a boot following the loss, Rhule was booted from the Panthers organization.
After Sunday’s game, players got emotional talking about Rhule in the locker room.
“All that stuff I heard today, you know, from fans and boos, all the red and ‘fire Rhule,’ and all that, he’s a strong cat, you feel me? And he’s got my respect ‘cause he don’t let that faze him. And he’s still coming in front of us here today to talk. And I’ve got respect for him,” Brian Burns said.
49ers Panthers Football Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule reacts during the first half an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Carolina Panthers fire head coach Matt Rhule
Panthers Rhule Football Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule speaks during a news conference after their loss against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have fired coach Matt Rhule following a 1-4 start to the season, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday, Oct. 10, because the team has not yet announced the decision. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman)
49ers Panthers Football Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule yells at line judge Mike Dolce during the first half an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones) (Rusty Jones)
49ers Panthers Football Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule leaves the field after their loss against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman)
49ers Panthers Football Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule yell during the first half an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman)
Arizona Cardinals v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to the first half of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and head coach Matt Rhule on the field prior to a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers on the sidelines during the second quarter in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Dallas Cowboys ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers on the sidelines during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Matt Rhule Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco) (Brian Blanco/AP)
Coach Matt Rhule Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, left, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady watch from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Charlotte, N.C., in this, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, file photo. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File) (AP)
WATCH: One-on-one interview with Matt Rhule
David Tepper introduces Matt Rhule (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Matt Rhule in Charlotte (Carolina Panthers)
Matt Rhule Matt Rhule (GETTY IMAGES)
Who’s up next?
According to the Panthers, Rhule will be replaced “on an interim basis” by secondary coach Steve Wilks.
Wilks has a lengthy resume.
He was the defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach for Carolina this season, and was formerly the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. He’s also a former defensive coordinator for the Panthers.
Wilks is an alumnus of both West Charlotte High School and Appalachian State University.
In April, Wilks joined a lawsuit against the National Football League and six teams, alleging racial discrimination in the hiring and retention of Black head coaches. In the suit, he claims he was discriminated against by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018.
Tepper said on Monday that he expects the team to continue to grow.
“Things take time, and as a former fan, I don’t want to hear that; [fans] want to win today and don’t care about anything else, and I understand that,” Tepper said. “I want to win too, but I do think we have made progress and we will make future progress.”
(WATCH BELOW: Channel 9′s DaShawn Brown hears from players, head coach Matt Rhule on Cam Newton’s return)