Former Baylor head coach Matt Rhule is finalizing a deal to become the next Carolina Panthers head coach, according to Yahoo Sports' Pete Thamel. He succeeds Ron Rivera, who went 76–63 in nine years with the team.
Rhule was expected to interview with the New York Giants for their respective vacancy but never met with the team's front office. The Cleveland Browns were also interested in Rhule.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Panthers were down to New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Rhule. Panthers owner David Tepper met with Rhule and his family in Waco and reached a deal before Rhule could travel to meet the Giants.