While they were on their bye week, the Panthers created major headlines this past Sunday with Matt Rhule’s announcement that the team was parting ways with offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Rhule — who said that the coaching change was originally planned for Saturday but he was unsuccessful in trying to contact Brady that day — added that while Panthers owner David Tepper has been supportive of Rhule and his staff, it was untimely Rhule’s decision to part ways with Brady, who he hired in 2020.
Rhule anticipates starting Cam Newton — who was benched following his 5 of 21 performance in Carolina’s Week 12 loss to the Dolphins — for the Panthers’ upcoming game against the Falcons.
Darnold, who is 4-5 as the Panthers’ starting quarterback this season, was placed on injured reserve last month after surging a significant shoulder injury during the team’s Week 9 loss to the Patriots.
Rhule has temporarily turned the Panthers’ offense over to Jeff Nixon, who served as Rhule’s offensive coordinator at Baylor.
Despite their 5-7 record, the Panthers are one game back of the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoffs.