Carolina Panthers fire GM Dave Gettleman; Steve Smith Sr. reacts as only he can

The Carolina Panthers sent a shock through the NFL world Monday, announcing that general manager Dave Gettleman has been relieved of his duties eight days before training camp is set to begin.

“After much thought and a long evaluation of our football operations, I have decided to relieve Dave Gettleman of his duties as general manager,” Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson said in a statement.

“I want to thank Dave for the role he played in our success over the past four seasons. While the timing of this decision is not ideal, a change is needed.”

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The Panthers went 6-10 last season, one year after making a run to Super Bowl 50, which they lost to the Denver Broncos 24-10.

Gettleman, who'd held his position since 2013, had become known for taking a firm stance on negotiating with players, such as when Carolina released popular WR Steve Smith Sr., or when it announced that it was removing the franchise tag from star cornerback Josh Norman last year, allowing him to sign with the Washington Redskins.

Another reason why the timing of the move is curious is because Carolina recently lost Brandon Beane, who had been the assistant general manager, to the Buffalo Bills as their new GM.

The Panthers report for training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., on July 25.

This move mirrors one the Kansas City Chiefs made last month, when they fired GM John Dorsey after promising in-house front office member Chris Ballard left earlier in the offseason to take the general manager job for the Indianapolis Colts.

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Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes

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