Ninety-Nine Problems? Panthers' Matt Rhule Clearly On The Hot Seat

Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule told reporters after Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that it took Jay-Z seven years to become an overnight sensation.

Rhule said he has shared that same message with the players.

But as inspirational as it may be, you don't get seven years in the NFL. Not as a coach. Heck, it felt like Urban Meyer barely even got seven hours.

During Sunday's loss, Panthers fans gave the old "Fire Rule!" chant. And he will indeed be a name on which to keep an eye. The Panthers are 5-10 in Rhule's second season, having lost five straight, and this is the time of year when head coaches start getting canned.

After all, Monday is the first day when teams can start interviewing rival assistants (provided teams are granted permission to do so).

So yes, Panthers owner David Tepper could take the advice of fans. He could indeed fire Rhule and look for someone else to try to turn the Panthers back into a contender.

Granted, Rhule has had some tough breaks, including some uneven quarterback play from Sam Darnold and past-his-prime Cam Newton. It's not all Rhule's fault.

But guess who generally takes the blame in these types of situations? You got it. The coach.

So it appears Rhule has 99 problems, but a secure future as the Panthers' head coach ain't one.