Grading the Panthers' Hire of Dan Morgan

The Carolina Panthers have officially replaced Scott Fitterer by hiring Dan Morgan as the team's new general manager.

Below are some thoughts on the decision from our staff along with some grades.

Schuyler Callihan: C+.

I think Morgan has the chance to be really good in this role. He knows what it takes to win in Carolina and knows this roster better than anyone they interviewed. However, I think going with an external candidate would have provided a cleaner slate. There are some rumors that one of the candidates they interviewed will join Morgan in the front office and if that goes through, then this grade gets rounded up.

Matt Alquiza: C+.

I’m not going to pretend like I know the inner machinations of the Carolina front office, but it’s odd to me that they’re retaining Morgan. On some level, he has been involved in the disaster that the last few years have been. On the positive side, he has personnel director experience in Seattle and Buffalo, two well run, successful teams. It seems as if they’ll hire somebody with financial acumen to pair with his football knowledge. It’s a structure that can work, but I’m dubious.

Matt Welch: D+.

I need to know how involved Morgan actually was in any of the recent deals that have tanked the Panthers future before I can really give this a grade. Was he hired because he will be complicit to what Tepper wants? Or will be he able to change the trajectory of the leagues worst team? This isn’t the home run hire you would hope for.

Tyler Ball: C+.

Positives to take away: Morgan cares about doing right by the Panthers' franchise and I think he will work hard to get it where it needs to be to succeed. That said, I’d be lying if I said Panthers fans shouldn't be nervous about the move. I'm curious how he plans to recruit strong talent to the Panthers while they’re still under the Tepper rule.

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