CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Transitioning from head coach at the college level to the NFL is never easy. But for Carolina Panthers first-year coach Matt Rhule, it has been particularly challenging given the coronavirus pandemic.
Nearly five months after being hired away from Baylor to resurrect a struggling franchise, Rhule has met in person only about 20 of the 90 players on his roster.
The NFL essentially shut down in March due to the pandemic, so Rhule has yet to run his players through a single practice, watch them progress and build chemistry.
And the clock continues to tick. It's growing increasing unlikely the NFL will allow on-field minicamps or organized team activities, meaning it's possible Rhule won't blow his first whistle at practice