The Matt Rhule-to-NFL path may be close to forming. The Baylor head coach has scheduled two interviews. He will meet with the Panthers on Monday and the Giants shortly after, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
A New York native, Rhule is believed to be the frontrunner for the Giants job. He spent 2012 as their assistant offensive line coach, working with the franchise during Dave Gettleman‘s final season during his first Giants stint. Rhule’s Giants meeting is expected to take place Tuesday.
As a college coach, Rhule is 47-43 in seven seasons at Temple and Baylor. But it’s the Bears’ quick turnaround from the Art Briles tenure that has likely sparked interest among NFL teams. Baylor completed the transition from 1-11 in Rhule’s first season in 2017 to ending its 2019 campaign in the Sugar Bowl. While Baylor did not fare well against Georgia, Rhule was already an NFL candidate before guiding the Big 12 program to an 11-win season. And prior to Rhule’s Baylor stay, he led Temple to back-to-back 10-win seasons — the first such stretch in the program’s 90-year history.
The Panthers have already interviewed Mike McCarthy (twice) and Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy. They are tentatively scheduled to meet with Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski late next week. The Giants are interviewing Bieniemy and Ravens DC Don “Wink” Martindale on Saturday and have already spoken with McCarthy and Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard. Both teams are also interested in Josh McDaniels, who has previously been a Giants target.
Rhule turned down an opportunity to interview for the Browns job, doing so a year after agreeing to return to Baylor despite Jets interest. Rhule interviewed for the job that went to Adam Gase and has said he would leave for the NFL if the right opportunity presented itself. The latest NFL hiring period will put the 44-year-old coach to the test.
I don’t understand why he’s not making more of an effort to keep quiet about these interviews.
I can’t imagine that this uncertainty is good for recruiting, which probably means that he’s 100% leaving.
Possibly, but even if he zero interest in these nfl jobs and stays….what do you think Baylor will do to try and keep him?
So many times college coaches go and interview somewhere….either nfl or another school because they likely will see a raise from the current school to try and keep him.
Baylor will offer a raise. I still think he’s gone.
Most recruiting for this year is over with the early signing period last month.
Ever watch The Blind Side? People KNEW Nick Saban was leaving LSU for the NFL. These things aren’t something you can keep quiet to begin with.
Ruhle needs to take one of these opportunities if it’s offered. He’s still beloved at Temple and he’s loved at Baylor. That goodwill won’t last forever. A down season or two at Baylor would ruin his chances.
The Giants wouldn’t be an opportunity with Gutterman still there. That is career ending.
Glad he straight up turned down the browns for an interview. Basically agreed to interview with all other teams interested in him. Really shows the clown show ownership of the browns.
Smart dude already saying no to browns interview