Update: 49ers exec, ex-Lions GM named general manger for Washington

Contrary to early reports that ex-Panthers GM Marty Hurney would become the next general manager of the Washington Football Team, veteran NFL executive Martin Mayhew will actually be taking that role. Hurney wil take another executive position with the team.

The general manager position had been vacant for the season after issues arose with Bruce Allen, one of several controversies the team had to deal with last offseason. Vice president of player personnel Kyle Smith had been collaborating with Rivera to handle the GM responsibilities this season.

News that the team was looking to hire someone for the position emerged as the season was finishing. The team was reportedly targeting experienced executives for the role, which both Mayhew and Hurney certainly fit.

Mayhew played eight seasons in the league with the Bills, Washington, and Buccaneers. He joined the executive ranks in 2001 with Detroit and became Lions' general manager after the club fired Matt Millen during the infamous 0-16 2008 season. He spent about eight years as the GM in Detroit, assembling a playoff team just three years after the lowest point in football history. The Lions also had their best season in recent memory in 2014 under Mayhew. Mayhew was fired after a 1-7 start to the 2015 season and joined the Giants' front office before becoming a key figure in building the current 49ers' roster/

Mayhew has also worked in the XFL and NFL league office.