CNN
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The Carolina Panthers have parted ways with head coach Matt Rhule, the NFL team announced Monday.
The move comes a day after a 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers left the Panthers with a 1-4 record this season.
Rhule, who coached the team to an 11-27 record in more than two years with the Panthers, is the first NFL head coach to be fired this season.
He will be replaced on an interim basis by Steve Wilks, defensive passing coordinator and secondary coach.
Adding to the Panthers’ woes this season, struggling quarterback Baker Mayfield injured his foot in Sunday’s loss and is undergoing an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the damage, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Last year’s starting quarterback Sam Darnold, meanwhile, remains on the injured list with an ankle injury.
Prior to the game against the 49ers, the Panthers also suffered losses to the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals.
The team’s only win so far this year came in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints.
Rhule joined the Panthers on a seven-year, $62 million deal in 2020 after coaching college football with Baylor and Temple. According to NFL.com, he is the first Panthers coach to serve less than three full seasons.
