Panthers fire Matt Rhule as head coach following 1-4 start

The move comes as rumors began to swirl regarding Rhule's future in Carolina in the aftermath of the team's 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5 on Sunday.

The Panthers are now tied with the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders for the worst record in the NFL at 1-4. The rough start comes despite the team having four of its first five games on its home field.

Rhule's first season as Carolina's head coach was in 2020, when the team finished 5-11 after beginning the campaign 3-2. Star running back Christian McCaffrey was limited to a career-low three games that year due to injury.

After going 3-0 to start the 2021 season, the Panthers ended last year 5-12. McCaffrey again missed over half the season, appearing in just seven contests.