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Thursday, January 10, 2013
News / Opinion Panthers name new GM
Posted By Steve Jones on Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 4:00 PM
The Carolina Panthers dipped into the talent pool of one of the most successful NFL franchises for its latest hire, General Manager Dave Gettleman. In announcing the selection of the new GM, owner Jerry Richardson laid out Gettleman's qualifications. "He has an extensive background in personnel and comes from an organization in the New York Giants that I hold in high regard and he played an instrumental role in their success."
Gettleman spent the last 15 years employed by the Giants and 25 years overall in the NFL. He has worked for six teams that made it to the Super Bowl, three times with the winner. His last job title was senior pro player personnel analyst - or, in plain language, Gettleman evaluated talent.
The GM picks the players. It's a team's most important job.
I do not know if Gettleman will be a winning hire. But I do know that to win in this league - hell, in life - it pays to emulate others with a proven track record. The Giants are a franchise the Panthers can model themselves after, working to become an organization that can win consistently. The Carolina Panthers have never had back to back winning seasons. Gettleman is now in charge of building that consistency throughout the organization. Let us all wish him luck.
Potentially damaging news to the Panthers is the courting by other teams of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. He is a hot-head coaching prospect and has already interviewed for the opening with the Cleveland Browns. Three things I do not like about him possibly leaving: first, his nickname is "Chud," and I love saying that. Second, Chud has a creative offensive mind that has piled up some big yards in his two years here. It hasn't all been smooth sailing, but the offense has matured. Lastly, the offense needs him, especially Cam Newton. A third year in a row under the same system after playing under several offensive coordinators during his college career is what Newton needs. The second half of the 2012 season saw Newton improving game by game and the offense followed. Never thought I'd utter these words, but Chud, please don't go.
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