In an interview that should surprise nobody, Panthers' GM Marty Hurney said this morning that he does not have a contract currently, and should owner Jerry Richardson choose to replace him it wouldn't cost him any additional money in severance. This was spurred by rumors last week that he cannot be replaced, due to some equivalent of lifetime deal with the organization.
Recently fans have grown weary of the organization under Hurney's watch, which has had considerable highs, and efficient drafting early in the 2000's, however recently the team hasn't had such good fortune. Several misses on early picks, paired with floundering from the front office on former head coach John Fox has soured many on Carolina's GM.
In parting ways with Fox one of the key reasons that both Jerry Richardson and Marty Hurney harped on was that a lack of consistency was a catalyst for the change. It was made apparent that with Fox gone it would fall one Hurney to ensure this happened. Granted, the organization has been going through a rebuilding process, but since changing coaches the Panthers are 7-13, and look to be in another inconsistent season.
Mike Florio summarized the interview for Pro Football Talk with the following quote from Hurney:
"I'm the one that's turning up the heat. This is my life and I can't tell you the agony you go through every time you lose a game. Obviously, I believe in what we're doing. And I do believe that we have talent and the coaching staff and the people to be good. But the bottom line is right now we're 1-3."
This front office preached consistency as the ideal, and sustained success as the long-term goal. Unless significant progress is made quickly, the 2013 off-season could be a lot more interesting than we imagined.