I'm not saying it is Rhule and I'm not making any predictions. (If I did I would be performing a lot better on Fan Duel than I am.)
1. Yes, I wanted him gone from the Panthers, but only because he was coaching them with a college coach mindset, as opposed to an NFL coaching mindset.
2. He worked his ass off.
3. He ran as full of contact (blocking, pads and tackling) practices that the NFLPA would allow.
4. He took ownership in press conferences.
5. He is very loyal to his team.
6. He came to the Panthers in the Covid year with very little physical contact with the players. That was a huge disadvantage for all coaches, especially for a new guy.
7. Regarding the $40 million in his pocket? The Panther owner was so smitten with Rhule, during their interview, he offered a, ridiculous, 7 year $70 million plus contract. Rhule, in not so many words, was shocked. I would have jumped on it too!
The bottom line is this. If it's him, I think you will like him. He has a dedicated work ethic. Will we win a Big 10 championship with him? I don't know, but we will win games, upset some teams and go to bowl games. (I've said this before, if he talked Joe Brady (QB coach of the Bills) into coming with him as QB/OC and pairing him with Mickey, just like Odgeron had at LSU with Burrow, Jefferson and Chase... ooooh baby what a team they would make on offense.)
I hope this helps you feel better, if it, indeed, is Matt Rhule.