Former Panthers and current Nebraska coach Matt Rhule filed an arbitration lawsuit against Carolina last week, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. CBS’ Jonathan Jones first reported news of the suit. Here’s what you need to know:
- Rhule is seeking roughly $5 million and claims the franchise owes him money after firing him five games into the 2022 season, according to multiple reports.
- The grievance would be heard by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee, according to a source.
- Both the Panthers and NFL declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Backstory
Carolina went 11-27 under Rhule and owed him more than $40 million from the seven-year, $62 million deal he signed ahead of the 2020 season. However, his contract included offset language that allowed the Panthers to recoup some of the money if he took another job. Rhule was hired as the head coach of Nebraska in November and signed an eight-year deal.
Steve Wilks was named interim head coach after Rhule’s firing, and the Panthers hired Frank Reich as head coach in January.
Require reading
- Panthers owe Matt Rhule $40 million after firing, but could recoup money if he takes another job
- It’s Frank Reich’s day, but David Tepper gets testy about Panthers’ hiring practices
- What we’re hearing: What is the Panthers’ Plan B for DC? Eyes on Eagles’ assistants
(Photo: Robert Deutsch / USA Today)