Panthers name Seattle's Fitterer as next GM

The Carolina Panthers have named Seahawks' Vice President of Football Operations Scott Fitterer as the team's next general manager. He replaces Marty Hurney, who was fired late in the 2020 season.

The Panthers interviewed 15 candidates following a 5-11 season and settled on four finalists: Ryan Poles (Chiefs), Adam Peters (49ers), Monti Ossenfort (Titans), and Fitterer.

Fitterer spent a short time scouting for the Giants before taking the same role with Seattle in 2001. He was promoted to Director of College Scouting in 2011, then again to Co-Director of Player Personnel in 2015. He took his most recent position as VP of Football Operations in 2020.

The new Panthers' GM may have to answer to head coach Matt Rhule, according to some reports. Fitterer has been a key part of forming Seattle's most competitive teams and should help in identifying college prospects. The biggest question mark for him, as any college scout moving to a GM position, will be the pro side of things.

The deal is for five years.