The Carolina Panthers have named former linebacker Dan Morgan as their new general manager and president of football operations. Morgan, who played seven seasons with the Panthers from 2001-2007, has served as the team’s assistant general manager since 2021.
Morgan Brings Experience and Familiarity
The 43-year-old Morgan steps into the role after the Panthers parted ways with general manager Scott Fitterer earlier this month. Morgan was one of several candidates interviewed for the position, but ultimately his history with the franchise and his experience working alongside Fitterer made him the choice.
As a player, Morgan was known for his toughness and intelligence on the field. The Panthers selected him 11th overall in the 2001 draft, and he made the Pro Bowl in his 2004 All-Pro season. Injuries cut his career short, but he joined the Seattle Seahawks front office after retiring in 2009. He has also worked with Buffalo and held a scouting role in Washington.
Panthers owner David Tepper cited Morgan’s background and qualifications as reasons for his promotion:
“Dan is one of the most respected players and executives in Panthers history,” Tepper said. He went on to praise Morgan’s “penchant for being shrewd, principled and strategic throughout his entire career.”
What This Means for the Panthers
Promoting from within provides Carolina some continuity as they look to improve on a disappointing 2023 season. Morgan already has an established working relationship with head coach Frank Reich, which should ease the transition process.
As GM, Morgan now takes over primary roster construction duties and will be integral in the Panthers’ draft process. He will also lead the search for a new defensive coordinator to replace the departed Phil Snow.
With the #9 overall pick, Morgan must immediately focus his attention on scouring this year’s draft class for potential franchise-changing talent. Finding productive players in April’s draft will be critical if the Panthers hope to compete anytime soon.
Morgan offered optimism about the future in his introductory press conference:
“The opportunity to continue working with Coach Reich as we build this team into a consistent winner is what excites me the most. We have work to do, but this is an elite organization with the right people in place.”
What Comes Next for Carolina
The Panthers seem committed to building through the draft after trading away several key veterans for future picks last season. Morgan will use his scouting evaluation skills to identify top targets for Carolina in rounds 1-3. Positions of need include quarterback, left tackle, and tight end.
Carolina is also seeking a defensive coordinator with an aggressive scheme who can maximize their promising young talent like Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown. Former Broncos DC Ejiro Evero has already interviewed for the job.
Finally, Morgan must make decisions about current Panthers players entering free agency. Top priorities are re-signing key linemen Bradley Bozeman and Taylor Moton while determining the future of QB Sam Darnold. Extending breakout running back D’Onta Foreman may also be explored.
While the rebuild continues in Carolina, naming the respected Morgan as GM provides direction and leadership during a time of transition. His experience gives the Panthers a trusted hand at the controls that understands the inner workings of the organization. Now the focus turns to critical roster building for 2023 and beyond.
Timeline of Panthers’ General Manager Search
Key Dates in the Panthers’ GM Search Process
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2023 | Panthers fire general manager Scott Fitterer after three seasons |
| January 13 | Panthers request permission to interview Bills assistant GM Joe Schoen |
| January 16 | Eagles executive Catherine Raîche interviews for the Panthers GM job |
| January 18 | Chiefs executive Ryan Poles withdraws from consideration |
| January 20 | Panthers interview Dan Morgan for the GM position |
| January 21 | 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters removes himself from the process |
| January 22 | Panthers name Dan Morgan new general manager |
This visual timeline captures the key events over the 12-day search process that resulted in Dan Morgan’s promotion. After Scott Fitterer’s dismissal on January 10th, the Panthers cast a wide net in soliciting interviews from executives across the league.
As top candidates like Schoen, Poles and Peters took jobs elsewhere, Dan Morgan emerged as the frontrunner given his history and experience with the franchise. His hiring provides the Panthers with both continuity and a qualified personnel expert to guide the rebuilding efforts.
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