That’s awkward.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said in a press conference Monday he initially planned to fire offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Saturday, but he “wasn’t available” to meet.
Rhule finalized his decision late last week and relieved Brady of his duties on Sunday — for reasons that were “purely football” related.
The move came after the Panthers suffered back-to-back losses against the Washington Football Team in Week 12 and the Dolphins the following week.
Rhule said he left the 33-10 Miami loss with “some feelings” about change at offensive coordinator. He spent the Panthers’ bye week analyzing game and practice film in order to make “the right move” to benefit the offense.
Rhule, who wouldn’t go into further detail about his decision, said his meeting with Brady, 32, ended in a handshake and a hug. He praised Brady for being a “consummate professional.”
“He’s done a lot to get us moving in the right direction. But this was something I felt from a football perspective we needed to do now,” Rhule added Monday.
Heading into Sunday’s slate, Carolina ranked 24th in points per game with 19.7, and 28th in the league in yards per game with 308.7.
Rhule said he “decided to be bold and step outside [his] comfort zone” when he hired Brady in 2020, with who he did not have much history. Brady joined the Panthers after he helped LSU win a national championship as the Tigers’ passing game coordinator.
The second-year head coach also praised Brady’s replacement, running backs coach Jeff Nixon, calling him a “calm, steadying influence.” Nixon was Rhule’s co-offensive coordinator at Baylor in 2019.
Carolina has struggled offensively as they continued to deal with injuries and the turnover at quarterback. The Panthers reunited with former No. 1 pick, Cam Newton, after quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a right shoulder injury last month.
The Panthers host the Falcons on Sunday for an NFC South matchup.