Marty Hurney, who served as the Carolina Panthers interim general manager in 2017, was named the team’s general manager on Wednesday, the Panthers announced.
“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 returned to the Panthers in an interim capacity in late July 2017, prior to the start of training camp, following the departure of Dave Gettleman, who served as the team’s general manager since 2013. As interim general manager, Hurney oversaw a front office that helped Carolina to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance.
“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 Ron 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.”
This marks Hurney’s second stint as general manager with Carolina, having previously worked for the Panthers from 1998-2012, beginning as general manager in 2002. In Hurney’s first tour as general manager, the Panthers made three playoff appearances, won an NFC championship, two NFC South titles, and played in two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl.
Hurney’s last two first-round draft choices as general manager – quarterback Cam Newton (No. 1 overall in 2011) and linebacker Luke Kuechly (No. 9 overall in 2012) – earned back-to-back NFL Rookie of the Year Awards. The Panthers became just the fourth team to have back-to-back offensive or defensive rookies of the year since the Associated Press began presenting the awards in 1967.