Reports out of Charlotte say that general manager Marty Hurney has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.
Leading up to the 2011 season he was charged by owner Jerry Richardson to right the ship, and turn the Carolina Panthers into an organization who had 'sustained success'. Steps were made in 2011 to improve the team, most noticeably adding quarterback Cam Newton via the draft, but ultimately a lack of direction and cohesiveness with the coach staff took its toll on a team now floundering at 1-5.
During Hurney's tenure the Panthers went to a Superbowl, and appeared in a second NFC Championship game. Pairing with John Fox he helped turn Carolina into an organization who didn't have consistent success, but who experienced more highs than before he arrived. A talented cap manager, and believer in a consistent locker room, Hurney's main failure was lacking a practicality needed to part way with players, and making tough roster decisions-- often favoring loyalty over effectiveness.
This will not improve the Panthers immediately, and throws the organization into flux. It remains to be seen who the interim GM will be, or whether it will be someone who believes in head coach Ron Rivera, or the direction of the roster.