BREAKING: Scott Fitterer Officially Named Carolina Panthers GM

The Panthers' search for a new GM has come to an end.

Thursday evening, the Carolina Panthers announced that Seattle Seahawks VP of Football Operations Scott Fitterer had been offered the General Manager position. 

Moments ago, the Panthers announced that Fitterer accepted the offer. Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that it is a five-year deal, which is a year shy of when head coach Matt Rhule's contract expires. 

Team owner David Tepper made a statement on the hiring in a press release:

"We went through a thorough process and it was a great final four," Tepper said. "We thought Scott was the best fit for the organization."

Fitterer has been a part of the Seahawks organization since 2001 and helped build a winning franchise alongside GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. During his time with the Seahawks, the team made three Super Bowl appearances including one Super Bowl win which was a 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos in 2014.

Fitterer has a scouting background and has overlooked the college scouting department, the NFL Draft, and the scheduling for the scouts throughout the season. He fits the description of what David Tepper and Matt Rhule were looking for in their new GM which was someone who not only was a great decision-maker and evaluator of talent but someone that would work collaboratively with the head coach.

During his time in Seattle, Fitterer worked hand in hand with both Schneider and Carroll for just about every personnel decision that was made over his 19 years.

The other three candidates that were assumed to be "finalists" for the job were 49ers VP of Player Personnel Adam Peters, Titans Director of Player Personnel Monti Ossenfort, and Chiefs Assistant Director of Player Personnel Ryan Poles.

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