The Panthers announced that they have fired GM Dave Gettleman. The news comes as a total shock, particularly since Gettleman was left in charge to oversee the draft and the main stages of free agency before his dismissal. 
“After much thought and a long evaluation of our football operations, I have decided to relieve Dave Gettleman of his duties as general manager,” Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said. “I want to thank Dave for the role he played in our success over the past four seasons. While the timing of this decision is not ideal, a change is needed.”
Like the Chiefs, the Panthers have shocked the football world by firing their GM late in the offseason. And, also like the Chiefs, they have already allowed a prime in-house candidate to leave for another team. Earlier this year, Brandon Beane left his post in Carolina as assistant GM to take over as the Bills’ new GM. In similar fashion, the Chiefs watched Chris Ballard take the Colts’ GM gig only to fire John Dorsey months later. The Chiefs went on to fill the vacancy by promoting Brett Veach to the top job. It remains to be seen whether the Panthers will immediately go in-house or if they will also consider outside candidates.
Whoever takes over for Gettleman, whether it be on a permanent or interim basis, will have to address some high-impact matters in the coming weeks. Gettleman was gearing up for extension talks with linebacker Thomas Davis and tight end Greg Olsen has been pushing for a revised contract. On top of that, someone will have to make the tough decisions as the Panthers trim down to a 53-man roster on Sept. 2.
The Panthers went 6-10 in 2016 after making the playoffs in each of Gettleman’s first three seasons with the team. He was scheduled to return from his Cape Cod vacation this week. Now, Gettleman may want to look into extending his trip.
Right before training camp? They surely must have someone already lined up or simply promote within.
Wonder if they are trying to get Dorsey.
Hello, left field. I would be very, very curious to find out what led up to this move. Both shocking and bizarre.
This is coming out of left field of a different ballpark!
This is clearly a result of situations from the previous offseason that saw DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith leave on bad terms, negotiations with Josh Norman fall apart, and prioritizing Thomas Davis’ extension over Greg Olsens
Yeah, reporter Darrin Gant said he thinks Richardson thinks Gettleman was treating Olsen and Davis like aging veterans rather than guys who should be Panthers for life. The Big Cat was not going to let those guys walk, even if it hurts the team in the near term.
Shows that the owner doesn’t value production instead of loyalty. That’s the signs of incompetent ownership
Or he thinks they can continue to be productive. It’s not like Norman was that old when they let him go.