In some shocking pre-training camp news, the Carolina Panthers have relieved general manager Dave Gettleman of his duties.
“After much thought and a long evaluation of our football operations, I have decided to relieve Dave Gettleman of his duties as general manager,” Owner Jerry Richardson said in a statement provided by the team. “I want to thank Dave for the role he played in our success over the past four seasons. While the timing of this decision is not ideal, a change is needed.”
The timing is obviously very strange, as rookies report to training camp this week. However, the fact that Gettleman has been fired is something some people might be excited about.
After all, this is the man who let Josh Norman go before last season. And Gettleman has utterly failed Cam Newton when it comes to providing protection on the offensive line. Both of these issues led to Carolina falling to 6-10 and last place in the NFC South last season, one year removed from a Super Bowl appearance.
All that said, Gettleman leaves a huge hole in Carolina’s front office. A man who has more than 30 years experience as a scout or front office man, Gettleman has been a part of seven Super Bowl teams, including three teams that won.