Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule Addresses Sean Payton to Carolina Rumors

There was a report that surfaced on Thursday saying that the Panthers are looking at former Saints head coach Sean Payton to replace current head coach Matt Rhule in 2023.

Reporters asked Rhule about the rumors and he didn't seem too concerned.  According to the Panthers head coach, owner David Tepper called him and warned him that the report was coming out.

From Pro Football Talk:

“With regards to that report, first I heard of it was Dave called me and told me that it was going to come out,” Rhule said. “They had called him, that there was nothing to it. I know Dave Tepper well enough to believe he wouldn’t be talking to another coach right now. He came to my house two-and-a-half years ago and told me this is a five-year rebuild. That’s what he said to me. He convinced me then to come be a part of it and build it with him. We’re not where we want to be. I don’t think it’s gonna take five years, I don’t want it to take five years, but those are the words he said to me.”

It sounds like Tepper might be playing both sides of this.  If Rhule doesn't win more games this season he's gone, five year rebuild or not.

I can't stand Sean Payton, so I wouldn't want to see him on the Panthers sidelines.  Almost anyone will do a better job than Matt Rhule.