Marty Hurney Reportedly Expected to Be Named Panthers' Interim GM

Marty Hurney has emerged as the front-runner to take over as the Carolina Panthers' interim general manager, USA Today's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. 

According to Pelissero, Hurney, who was the team's general manager from 2002 until October 2012, met with Panthers owner Jerry Richardson Tuesday.

Pelissero added that Hurney reportedly would serve as GM during the 2017 season while the team evaluated candidates who would take over in a full-time capacity.

The Panthers surprised many when they removed Dave Gettleman as GM Monday. The preseason starts in less than a month when Carolina takes on the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, and their regular season begins Sept. 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Hurney would likely be a polarizing choice should the Panthers tab him as Gettleman's successor. CBS Sports' Will Brinson detailed how Hurney's poor draft record and inability to strengthen the roster through free agency more than justified his firing in 2012.

Over the Cap's Jason Fitzgerald is among those leery of the possibility of Hurney's hiring:

Adam Gold of 99.9 The Fan in Raleigh, North Carolina, on the other hand, doesn't see Hurney as too big a risk:

While the NFL draft is over and there's little left to be done free agency, Hurney still has the opportunity to leave an impression on the Panthers roster.

Thomas Davis and Star Lotulelei are both in the final years on their respective contracts, and the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person reported Greg Olsen is looking for a new deal as well. Especially when it comes to Davis and Olsen, signing one or both of the veterans could put a serious strain on Carolina's payroll for the future.

Although Hurney may only be a stopgap before Panthers determine a long-term solution, the impact of his decisions could linger long after his departure.