Marty Hurney is the Panthers’ GM. Again. 
On Wednesday, the Panthers announced that they have removed the interim tag from Hurney’s title. He’ll move forward as the team’s top decision maker, which was the expected outcome this offseason.
Hurney’s first run as the Panthers’ GM came from 2002-12. When the Panthers made the surprising move to fire Dave Gettleman in the summer, they re-hired Hurney in an interim capacity. At the time, the team said that part of Hurney’s job would be to “help the team identify its next general manager.” Apparently, Hurney discovered the team’s new GM while shaving.
“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.”
Hurney has not managed a draft since 2012, but as the team’s press release notes, that draft brought linebacker Luke Kuechly (No. 9 overall) and cornerback Josh Norman (fifth round) to Carolina. Hurney is also responsible for the drafting of notables such as quarterback Cam Newton, defensive end Julius Peppers, offensive tackle Jordan Gross, cornerback Chris Gamble, linebackers Thomas Davis, and Jon Beason, and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.
Before giving the job to Hurney, the Panthers interviewed Bills scout Lake Dawson twice while 49ers executive Martin Mayhew and Texans exec Jimmy Raye III at least once. By interviewing a minority candidate (in this case, multiple minority candidates), the Panthers satisfied the Rooney Rule.
“Apparently, Gettleman discovered the team’s new GM while shaving.”
I am confused by this statement, can anyone shed light on what I am missing?
It was a typo, he meant to say that Hurney discovered the new GM, as in he saw himself in the mirror.
d’oh. correct.
Hurney sucks..
He drafted Jimmy Clausen.. gave DeAngelo Williams a 5 year $43 mil contract, then gave J-Stew a 6 year $37 mil contract.
I’ll just quote this: When Hurney was fired in 2012, Jerry Richardson himself said “Unfortunately, we have not enjoyed the success we hoped for in recent years”
other than the owner (eventually), what’s changed?
I would agree with Hurney sucks when it comes to how to budget and manage the cap. Hopefully he has learned his lessons in regards to that. He has drafted well in the past, particularly with early round picks, though he’s not without his misses.
I was a big fan of Gettleman, especially how he navigated the cap situation but he also had his mistakes. The failure to compromise with Norman, which forced the Panthers to draft 3 CBs in that draft and a few of his early round picks have yet to pan out ( I love the Shaq Thompson and Benjamin picks though). Gettleman also had his issues with players which led to his firing. Meanwhile, Hurney seems to have a better relationship with players. Again, that proved to be his undoing in the past.