Nebraska hires former Panthers coach Matt Rhule, team announces

CHARLOTTE — The University of Nebraska has hired former Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule to make him the Cornhuskers’ next coach, the team announced Saturday morning.

Rhule was fired by the Panthers in October after a 1-4 start to the team’s season. Rhule’s NFL coaching record was 11-27, a .289 winning percentage, during his two-plus seasons with the team.

Before his time in Carolina, Rhule had successful runs at the collegiate level coaching Baylor and Temple.

Citing sources familiar with the negotiations, the AP reported on Friday that after several days of discussions, Nebraska made Rhule an offer that persuaded him to return to college coaching.

An anonymous source told the AP details of a contract — including what the Panthers might still owe Rhule — are being worked out.

ESPN first reported that Rhule could be headed to Nebraska. He would replace Scott Frost, who was fired by the school earlier this year.

Rhule, 47, was hired in Carolina in 2020 and given a seven-year contract that guaranteed him $62 million. At the time of his firing, the Panthers still owed Rhule more than $40 million.

His contract reportedly included offset language that could allow the team to avoid paying Rhule if he is hired as a coach elsewhere.

Since Rhule’s firing, interim head coach Steve Wilks has lead the Panthers to a 2-4 record.

ESPN and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

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