Panthers: Dissecting interim GM Marty Hurney’s reinstatement
Carolina Panthers interim GM Marty Hurney has been reinstated. Here’s what it means.
There is nothing like a Friday splash in the world of sports news. Carolina Panthers interim general manager Mary Hurney was reinstated by the league Friday after it was found that he did not violate the National Football League’s personal conduct policy in regards to sexual harassment allegations made against him by his former wife.
Following the firing of general manager Dave Gettleman in July, Hurney took over the role of general manager. He was placed on paid leave February 4 as the league began its investigation into the allegations.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Hurney is now considered the favorite for the general manager job. Other candidates for the job include Houston Texans assistant general manager Jimmy Raye III, Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew and former Buffalo Bills assistant college scouting director Lake Dawson.
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What this means for the Panthers is perhaps some clarity in the general manager search and continuity within the organization. At this stage of the search, Hurney is the candidate that makes the most sense for the position. He has been with the organization for about seven months now. During that time, he has seen his team compile a winning record and make a deep run in the playoffs. Out of the candidates listed above, he is probably the one most familiar with the organization.
If Hurney were to get back in the fold, the Panthers would probably have a better sense of what they would want to do in free agency and the draft. With both things only a few weeks away, that is crucial.
Whatever the case may be, the Panthers need to make a decision quick. They need to have enough time to strategize their goals and needs with the general manager (whomever it may be). That way, their offseason can be organized and efficient as they look to make a run back to the Super Bowl.