NFL Rumors: Panthers to Talk to Baylor's Matt Rhule, Eying Pats' Josh McDaniels

The Carolina Panthers are lining up interviews for their vacant head-coaching job after wrapping up the 2019 regular season Sunday. 

Per ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers will talk to Baylor head coach Matt Rhule and they would like to schedule an interview with "several" current NFL offensive coordinators, including Josh McDaniels of the New England Patriots. 

Newton did note Carolina owner David Tepper hasn't ruled out hiring a coach from college, but he did call it a "tough transition."

The Panthers have gotten a head start on interviews, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reporting they've already met with Mike McCarthy twice. 

Rhule has past experience in the NFL as an assistant offensive line coach with the New York Giants in 2012. He was also a candidate to become head coach of the New York Jets last year before deciding to stay at Baylor for the 2019 season.

McDaniels was close to leaving the Patriots after the 2017 season, but he backed out of an agreement with the Indianapolis Colts to sign a five-year extension in New England. The 43-year-old went 11-17 as head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2009-10.

Carolina put itself in the market for a new head coach on Dec. 3 when the team announced a parting of ways with Ron Rivera. He had been with the team since 2011, compiling a 76-63-1 record with four playoff appearances and three straight NFC South titles from 2013 to 2015. 

The Panthers have had consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 2011-12.