By Jordan Long
The University of Colorado Buffaloes football program will start a coaching search once the final game ends on November 26th against the University of Utah. One name they could pursue is Matt Rhule. Rhule was just fired as Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers.
The Buffaloes fired Head Coach Karl Dorrell following an 0-5 start to the season. Dorrell had been the Buffs’ Head Coach for the past 2 years. Dorell’s overall record in Boulder was a disappointing 8-15, a winning percentage of .348. The only year Colorado managed an over .500 record was in his first year, 2020. It was the COVID shortened year when Colorado finished 4-2. They went to the Alamo Bowl but lost to the University of Texas 55-23.
The University of Colorado anticipated better results with Dorrell but those never came. This year, the Buffaloes were outplayed on both sides of the ball. They looked like a badly coached team. The University of Colorado had no choice but to let go of Dorrell. Mike Sanford takes over for the rest of the season as the Interim Head Coach.
With Dorrell gone, this marks the 5th time since 2011, the University of Colorado is looking for a Head Coach to take over the program. The previous coaches include Jon Embree lasting from 2011 to 2012, Mike MacIntyre coached them from 2013 to 2018, Mel Tucker who bolted to Michigan State following the 2019 season, and Karl Dorrell coaching the past 2 years plus 5 games into this year. Athletic Director Rick George can’t miss on the next football Head Coach. Matt Rhule could make sense.
Rhule has college coaching experience with the University of Temple and Baylor University. He was with Temple from 2013 to 2016. Rhule moved on to Baylor University from 2017 to 2019 before being hired as the Carolina Panthers’ Head Coach. In the college game, Rhule went 47-43. His teams won 10+ games 3 times, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Rhule coached in 4 bowl games with a record of 1-3.
Rhule was hired as the Carolina Panthers Head Coach on January 7th, 2020. The Panthers didn’t play great football under Rhule. The Panthers won only 5 games each of the past two years. This year Rhule needed a hot start to keep his job. Unfortunately, they let him go this week after a 1-4 start. Overall Rhule was 11-27 in Carolina, a winning percentage of .289.
Rhule could be looking to coach once again in 2023. Going back to the college game wouldn’t be the worst idea. He had success plus it would give him a chance to learn from his mistakes at the NFL level. The University of Colorado should give him a call. How could it hurt? He might be one of the biggest names out there and would have a chance to turn the program around. The worst case is he says no.
Athletic Director Rick George will do what is best for the University of Colorado. He needs to hit a home run on this next hire. If not his job will be in jeopardy.
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