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Carolina Panthers name Marty Hurney interim GM

By Alex Butler
Former Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney was hired as the franchise's interim general manager on Wednesday, following the firing of Dave Gettleman. Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers
Former Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney was hired as the franchise's interim general manager on Wednesday, following the firing of Dave Gettleman. Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers

July 19 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers have decided to reunite with Marty Hurney to serve as their interim general manager.

Hurney was the Panthers' general manager from 2002 through 2012. He joined the franchise in 1998. During that tenure, the Panthers went to the playoffs three times, won an NFC title, two NFC South crowns, made two NFC Championship games and went to a Super Bowl.

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The team announced the move Wednesday. Hurney will speak at a press conference at 2 p.m. from Bank of America Stadium.

"Marty is the perfect person to help us in the interim," Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said in a team statement. "He worked with us for 15 years and understands the culture we have here. He had a lot to do with the core of our team being in place. I'm thankful that he is willing to help us in this transition period."

Hurney, who selected quarterback Cam Newton No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, said he maintained respect for the franchise.

"I never lost my investment in and respect for this organization and the people inside it, from Jerry Richardson to Ron Rivera to a lot of the players in that locker room," Hurney said in a team statement. "I am excited about coming back and working towards success on the field, and helping identify and develop someone for the future."

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After drafting Newton in 2011, Hurney was at the helm to pick linebacker Luke Kuechly at No. 9 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Both players earned Rookie of the Year Awards.

Richardson and the Panthers announced the firing of former general manager Dave Gettleman on Monday. Gettleman was hired in 2013. The Panthers were 40-23-1, with three NFC South titles and a Super Bowl appearance during his tenure. The move was met with mixed reactions among current and former Panthers players, and "surprise" from coach Ron Rivera.

Hurney was fired in 2012 after the Panthers began the season with a 1-5 record.

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