The Carolina Panthers announced today that they have re-hired Marty Hurney as their full-time general manager after briefly putting him on leave while the NFL investigated misconduct claims. Hurney has served as the team’s interim general manager since July 2017 following the departure of Dave Gettleman.
As interim general manager, Hurney helped the Panthers achieve an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance this past season - a record that COO Tina Becker said the franchise believes will continue. Hurney was being investigated by the NFL after his former wife complained that he was harassing her to authorities. She later withdrew her complaint and the team reinstated him before today's announcement.
“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," Becker said in a statement. "We believe he will continue to craft a roster that will win games and contend for a championship."
Hurney is entering his second tour as the Panthers’ general manager, having served in this capacity from 2002-2012. His first stint included an NFC championship and two NFC South titles. He also chose quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly as his last two first-round draft picks in 2011 and 2012.
Hurney said he looks forward to what the franchise’s future holds and the role he will play in achieving it.
“I feel that I am the best person to help Ron and this team moving forward," he said. "We have a really special core of players in place, and I’m extremely excited about the direction we are headed."