In a shocking turn of events, it was announced that Matt Rhule is leaving Baylor for the Carolina Panthers. This comes as a bit of a surprise due to the extension Rhule received this September, keeping him through 2028. Taking over Baylor following the fallout of the Art Briles scandals, Rhule took a team that went 1-11 in his first season and was able to pilot them to an 11-3 record in his third season, including a Big 12 Championship Game berth and a Sugar Bowl appearance.

Rhule has limited experience in the NFL, only serving as a Giants assistant OL coach in 2012. However, Panthers owner David Tepper gave hint that he was taking an unconventional direction following the firing of Ron Rivera. In an interview following the firing, Tepper noted the franchise was making this change with the future in mind.

Rhule had been mentioned for NFL jobs before, specifically last year when he was linked to the Jets. They reportedly would not grant his request to be able to control his staff hires and passed on the position. This becomes a good jumping-off point for Rhule. Even with a failed stint in the NFL, he will have his choice of college jobs if he ever returns. Due to his program turnarounds at Temple and Baylor, Rhule has developed a reputation as one of the best.

What Should Baylor Do Now?

Baylor now finds themselves in a sticky situation. After having to rebuild the program in the wake of Art Briles, they now find themselves in a tough spot. Matt Rhule is leaving Baylor at a critical time. With national signing day coming up, recruits may turn their backs on Baylor. As Mississippi State is likely already finding out, most of the top-level coaches available have already been picked through as this move comes very late into the coaching change cycle. Baylor will have to not only nail their next hire in a limited market, but work to keep their current players on the roster and their future players from turning elsewhere.