3 NFL head coaches already on the hot seat after Week 1

2. Matt Rhule, Carolina Panthers

Matt Rhule was a questionable hire for two reasons. One, he was known as a “program builder” rather than a tactician in the collegiate ranks. That will bring any coach a ton of success in the NCAA, but in the NFL, it’s about much more than inspiring speeches.

These guys have to figure out how to make professional athletes — many who make more money than them — respect and follow them. Simply commanding it won’t be enough.

Second, the Carolina Panthers were in a bidding war with Dave Gettelman and the New York Giants for Rhule’s services. No disrespect meant to Gettleman, but the Panthers should have known as well as anyone that he was in over his head with the Giants. That means. if he’s out there pulling out the stops for a coach, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

But Carolina didn’t see the red flags and won the bidding war for Rhule. Their prize to this point is 10 wins to go along with 24 losses. Things don’t look to be improving this season, especially since he penalizes his own team for scoring touchdowns in practices“the wrong way.” His tirade on how to cross the goal line screams college coach louder than anything else he has done. And as long as he continues to refuse to adapt to the pros, he’s going to be on a very hot seat.