Carolina Panthers name Marty Hurney general manager for the second time
Marty Hurney is officially the general manager of the Carolina Panthers. Again.
The franchise removed Hurney's interim tag Wednesday morning, officially heralding his second stint in the position. He had re-entered the post, temporarily it seemed, last summer after predecessor (and successor) Dave Gettleman was fired before training camp.
“We are very fortunate to have Marty as our general manager after he did an exceptional job in the interim role this past season.” Panthers COO Tina Becker said. “Marty’s guidance and vision helped build the foundation for this team, and his work this season was instrumental in returning the team to the playoffs. We believe he will continue to craft a roster that will win games and contend for a championship.”
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Carolina reached the playoffs as a wild-card entry in 2017 but lost in the opening round to the NFC South rival (and champion) New Orleans Saints. The Panthers missed postseason in 2016 after losing Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Hurney's promotion should provide a measure of stability for a franchise in turmoil. Jerry Richardson, the only owner in club history, is selling the Panthers in the wake of sexual harassment allegations revealed by Sports Illustrated. Hurney himself was temporarily on paid leave this year as the NFL investigated abuse claims from his former wife. He was later cleared of wrongdoing and reinstated.
Carolina is scheduled to enter the new league year with roughly $20 million in cap space and the the 24th pick in the draft. All-pro guard Andrew Norwell, veteran defensive end Julius Peppers, Pro Bowl kicker Graham Gano, defensive tackle Star Lotulelei and backup quarterback Derek Anderson are among the Panthers' soon-to-be free agents.
“I have always felt a strong connection to this organization and viewed this job as one of the very best in the NFL because of the people here,” Hurney said. “Mr. Richardson and Tina have been open and honest with me from the beginning, and I am thankful for the trust they have placed in me. I gained a lot of perspective being away and then back in an interim role last season. I feel that I am the best person to help (coach) Ron (Rivera) and this team moving forward. We have a really special core of players in place, and I’m extremely excited about the direction we are headed.”
Hurney originally served as GM from 2002 until he was fired midway through the 2012 season. He oversaw Carolina's first run to the Super Bowl during the 2003 season, which culminated with a loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Among the players he has drafted are Peppers, quarterback Cam Newton and linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.
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