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Panthers bring back Marty Hurney as interim general manager

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a five-year absence, the Carolina Panthers have brought back Marty Hurney, naming him interim general manager Wednesday, days after announcing Dave Gettleman had been relieved of his duties.

[RELATED: Jerry Richardson: 'I have decided to relieve Dave Gettleman of his duties']

Hurney previously worked with the Panthers from 1998-2012, serving as GM beginning in 2002. He was GM when the franchise made its first Super Bowl appearance in 2003, and went to the playoffs three times during his tenure.

“I never lost my investment in and respect for this organization and the people inside it, from Jerry Richardson to Ron Rivera to a lot of the players in that locker room,” Hurney said. “I am excited about coming back and working towards success on the field, and helping identify and develop someone for the future.”

[IMAGES: Former Panthers GM Dave Gettleman]

With training camp just about to start, owner Jerry Richardson’s decision to bring back Hurney as interim GM could make for an easy transition under difficult circumstances.

Hurney and Richardson maintained a strong relationship after parting ways.

Many of the best players on the 2015 Panthers team that won the NFC Championship were drafted by Hurney, including Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, and Thomas Davis.

He also brought in Greg Olsen, Ryan Kalil and Charles Johnson and was the one who hired head coach Ron Rivera in 2011.

Hurney still worked in Charlotte as a radio personality on ESPN 730 radio, with fellow host Al Gardner.

In addition to his responsibilities managing the entire football operation, Hurney will help the team identify its next general manager.

(Social media reaction to the Gettleman firing)

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