Panthers name Hurney interim GM for 2017 season

The Carolina Panthers announced on Wednesday morning that former general manager Marty Hurney will return to the team as its interim GM for the 2017 season.

The move comes after Dave Gettleman was fired on Monday.

Hurney previously served as the team's general manager from 2002-12. During that time, the Panthers went 90-102 and made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2003. He was fired after a 1-5 start to the 2012 season.

"I never lost the connection with the organization," Hurney said in a team release. "I've gained a lot of perspective and have looked at things in different ways. I think I can help this team in a lot of areas. I think I've grown. And I feel I'm better prepared to come in this time and do a better job than I did over the 12 years I was general manager last time."

Hurney hired the team's current head coach Ron Rivera in 2011 and drafted many of its star players, including Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly.

While fulfilling the duties of his role, Hurney will also aid in the team's search for its next general manager.

"Marty is the perfect person to help us in the interim," Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said in a separate release. "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."