Tag: Marty Hurney

Cam Newton was hurt when Ron Rivera and Commanders did not call

Cam Newton was upset that Ron Rivera never called him in Washington when he needed a QB.

Cam Newton is still surprised Ron Rivera did not seek him out to be his quarterback in Washington.

Rivera and Newton had been together in Carolina since the 2011 NFL draft. It was Rivera’s first head coaching job, and Newton was his first draft choice.

Fast forward nine seasons later into 2019. Washington started 0-5 and finished 3-13. Yet, their best performance of the season was when they went to Carolina and ran the ball all day on the Panthers, winning 29-21.

Ironically, it turned out to be Rivera’s last game as Panthers’ head coach, being fired subsequently. In addition, 2019 was also Cam Newton’s last with the Panthers.

Rivera was hired to coach the Redskins in 2020, and Newton was signed by the Patriots. However, after only one season, the Patriots turned elsewhere.

In 2021, Rivera lost his starter, Ryan Fitzpatrick, in the very first half of the season opener. Having to go with the undrafted, inexperienced Taylor Heinicke, Newton expected a call from Rivera.

Newton expressed his surprise and disappointment about Rivera on his “Funky Friday” podcast two days ago.

“I said at the bare minimum, Washington will come —- with me,” said Newton. “It wasn’t just Ron Rivera. It was d— Marty Hurney, it was Ryan Vermillion, it was everybody. It was Panthers reincarnated in Washington.”

“To not get no call? —-.”

Newton expressed that he and Rivera have yet to discuss it and that he does not know why he never got a call.

“I don’t know whether I was hurt or whatever. It f—– with me, though. I ain’t going to lie. I am not going to be one of these dudes, like Hell no.”

“We started the 2013 season 1-3 and finished 12-4. Coach of the Year. Of course, you’ve been through the, you know, struggle with him.”

“And then to not get a call? Yeah, it was one of them ______, I see what is happening here.”

The Panthers re-signed Newton in the middle of the 2021 season, and sure enough, Washington went to Carolina, and Newton was given his first start. Washington won that day 27-21; however, Newton had his best game of that season, completing 21 of 27 with two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, 10 carries for 46 yards, and a 120.5 passer rating.

Asked what he and Rivera said that day when on camera greeting each other on the field, “Man, that ain’t no embrace that you can talk to. It was a brief, ‘Hey Coach, What’s going on, man? Always nice to see you. Take a picture. Ok, go poo.'”

Newton said he and Rivera need to chat, and it would be a good conversation for his podcast. He said he would ask Rivera, “What is it?”

“I felt like I could play. They had Taylor Heinicke. Taylor Heinicke, I respect. Uh, Scarface, that’s what we would call him. But to ride with him?”

“Cool, I ain’t going to dwell on that, but I felt a certain type of way that I didn’t get no interest from Washington in an unstable quarterback situation.”

Newton became a free agent after the 2021 season but was never signed by another NFL team.

Commanders hire former Panthers GM Scott Fitterer in personnel role

Adam Peters continues adding to his front office.

The Washington Commanders aren’t finished adding to new general manager Adam Peters’ restructured front office. On Monday, the Commanders hired former Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer as a personnel executive. Ben Standig of The Athletic first reported the move.

Fitterer is the latest addition to Washington’s front office. Peters first hired Lance Newmark away from the Detroit Lions as the new assistant general manager, and followed by adding Brandon Sosna, David Blackburn, Chris White and others.

Fitterer spent 20 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks in various roles, including as the vice president of player personnel in 2020. The Panthers hired Fitterer as GM in 2021. Unfortunately, Carolina was a mess under Fitterer, but that was hardly his fault. Owner David Tepper has quickly earned a reputation as a meddlesome owner, much like former Washington owner Daniel Snyder.

In 2021, the Panthers spent a first-round pick on South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn. Horn has been good but has battled multiple injuries. In 2022, the Panthers traded for the No. 1 overall pick, which they used on quarterback Bryce Young — a Tepper decision.

Thanks to the trade for Young, the Panthers did not have a first-round pick in 2024.

Fitterer joins Marty Hurney as ex-Carolina GMs in Washington’s front office. Hurney is now an advisor under Peters. Fitterer, Hurney and Martin Mayhew are all former NFL general managers in Washington’s front office reporting to Peters.

Former Panthers GM Scott Fitterer lands new job with Commanders

Ex-Panthers GM Scott Fitterer is heading to the nation’s capital.

Are the Washington Commanders now in on every deal?

As first reported by Ben Standig of The Athletic on Monday morning, the Commanders are hiring former Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer to their front office. Per Standig, Fitterer will serve as a personnel executive under the organization’s first-year general manager Adam Peters.

Before heading Carolina’s front office, Fitterer spent two decades working behind the scenes for the Seattle Seahawks. The Seattle native served as an area scout from 2001 to 2010, the director of college scouting from 2011 to 2014, the co-director of player personnel from 2015 to 2019 and the vice president of football operations in 2020.

Fitterer would then officially land the Panthers’ general-manager gig on Jan. 14, 2021. His three-year tenure included an exodus of top-tier talent—as the team failed to hold on to the likes of running Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver DJ Moore, outside linebacker Haason Reddick and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

The Panthers, who went combined 14-37 since his hiring, fired Fitterer following the 2023 campaign.

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Commanders hire Lance Newmark as assistant general manager

Adam Peters has a new assistant GM and the Commanders reshuffle others, including Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney.

As the Washington Commanders continue to put the finishing touches on new head coach Dan Quinn’s first staff, general manager Adam Peters made his first significant addition to the front office.

The Commanders announced they had hired Lance Newmark as Peters’ new assistant general manager. Newmark comes to Washington after 26 years with the Detroit Lions, serving in a number of roles, most recently as senior director of player personnel.

Newmark’s first NFL job came with the San Diego Chargers under legendary former Washington GM Bobby Beathard, where he spent two years as a staff assistant.

Here is a look at Newmark’s career progression:

  • Chargers: 1996-97: Staff assistant
  • Lions: 1998: Staff assistant
  • Lions: 1999-2004: Area scout
  • Lions: 2005-07: National scout
  • Lions: 2008-14: Assistant director of college scouting
  • Lions: 2015-16: Director of college scouting
  • Lions: 2017-21: Director of player personnel
  • Lions: 2022-23: Senior director of player personnel

Newmark played college football at San Diego Mesa College before transferring to the University of San Diego for his final season.

During his two seasons with the Chargers, Newmark was on staff with Marty Hurney. And, for 15 of his years with the Lions, Newmark worked with Martin Mayhew. On the same day that Washington announced Newmark’s hiring, both Hurney and Mayhew were reassigned, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Mayhew, previously Washington’s GM, will now be a senior personnel executive and advisor to Peters. Hurney, previously executive vice president of football/player personnel, will also be an advisor.

Peters released the following statement on Newmark’s hiring:

“I am thrilled to welcome Lance Newmark to the Washington Commanders,” said Peters. “Lance is someone that I have known and respected in the scouting community my entire career. He is a highly respected talent evaluator and a great leader who will fit perfectly into what we’re building here in Washington. I want to thank Brad Holmes and the Lions organization for being first class in working with us on the process of bringing Lance to the DMV. Lance is a phenomenal person, and he will immediately elevate our overall personnel function here at the Commanders. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Lance and his family to Washington.”

 

Who will remain with the Commanders in their football operations?

Adam Peters has a lot of decisions to make regarding the current front office. Who remains?

Adam Peters being hired Friday by owner Josh Harris, takes on the responsibility to structure the front office of the football operations.

The second major concern for Peters (behind his hiring a head coach) will be those in the front office personnel. Of those currently present, whom will Peters retain and whom will he not keep, only one is a certainty. Eugene Shen (Senior VP of Football Strategy), recently hired by Harris, will remain.

Thus, the future is uncertain for Jason Wright (Team President), Martin Mayhew (General Manager), Marty Hurney (Vice President of Player Personnel), and Rob Rogers (Senior Vice President of Football Administration).

Doug Williams is certainly a question mark. Williams, during the Bruce Allen administration, possessed a couple of titles, yet even Williams talked of how he was not even involved in something as major as the 2018 trade that brought quarterback Alex Smith to Washington.

Williams was given a vague title of a personnel executive, which was the first red flag. Then Williams, in 2017, was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President of Player Personnel. But again Williams often provided vague answers when before the press, which sometimes were more revealing than informative.

When Ron Rivera became the coach-centric administrator of football operations, Williams was moved out of player personnel entirely into player development. After one season, he then became a “senior advisor to Jason Wright.”

The entire player personnel department might be in question. 11 scouts and a player personnel assistant are currently employed, while the department is headed by Eric Stokes (Senior Director of Player Personnel), Chris Polian (Director of Pro Personnel) and Tim Gribble (Director of College Personnel).

Who is Commanders owner Josh Harris leaning on inside the organization?

Josh Harris has been leaning on someone already in Washington’s organization.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is expected to make sweeping changes to the organization that he, along with his fellow minority partners, purchased for $6.05 billion back in July.

That means head coach Ron Rivera, who has a 26-36-1 record in four seasons with Washington, is likely gone after the season. Rivera is also the head of all football operations for the Commanders, meaning Harris is likely looking for a new general manager, too.

Sure, Martin Mayhew is Washington’s current GM, but he works for Rivera. Rivera hired Mayhew and has been the organization’s top football decision-maker since 2020.

Marty Hurney is another one of Rivera’s front-office hires. Rivera hired Hurney as Washington’s executive vice president of football for player personnel in 2021. Hurney, a former beat reporter who covered the then-Redskins in the 1980s, joined Washington’s PR department before following legendary GM Bobby Beathard to the Chargers. Hurney spent years working for Beathard before the Carolina Panthers hired him in 1998. In 2002, Hurney was promoted to general manager.

Hurney would have two stints as Carolina’s GM and is responsible for hiring Rivera as head coach there in 2011.

And, according to Kevin Sheehan of Team 980 in Washington, D.C, Harris has been leaning on Hurney in recent months.

“What I’ve learned is that Marty Hurney, who was a long-time executive in Carolina with Ron Rivera and a long and now has been with Rivera here for the last 2 ½ years, has become a trusted voice in the organization for Josh Harris,” Sheehan said Monday, per Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “And David Tepper, who Josh Harris knows and is the current owner of the Panthers, was apparently high on Hurney as well.”

Relax, Washington fans.

“Remember, Hurney has been in this league a long time and knows the key players, and while I’m not saying he’ll be the hire, as Josh Harris is looking for an opinion he trusts, he may be a voice of who to bring in for an interview and what names fill what buckets,” Sheehan continued.

What does this mean? Well, it could be as simple as Harris trusting Hurney, who has worked in the NFL for over 30 years in a variety of roles. It doesn’t mean Harris will promote Hurney. As Sheehan noted, Carolina owner David Tepper leaned on Hurney when he purchased the Panthers. Harris could be having Hurney evaluate Washington’s roster. He could also be questioning him about up-and-coming executives and coaches from around the NFL.

Rivera, Mayhew and Hurney know the deal. When a new owner took over, their job security was on the clock.

The Commanders have four games remaining on the 2023 schedule, and then the real work begins for Harris.

Breer: Commanders exec Marty Hurney ‘has advocated’ for Anthony Richardson

Would the Commanders consider Anthony Richardson if he falls?

The 2023 NFL draft is finally here. The first round kicks off Thursday night, and at least four quarterbacks are expected to go in the first round. As many as five could go in the first round, depending on what happens with Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Alabama’s Bryce Young is the favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, but things get a bit cloudy after Young.

C.J. Stroud of Ohio State should go in the top four. However, some reports cite Will Levis of Kentucky heading to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 4. Then there is Florida’s Anthony Richardson. Projections are all over the map for Richardson, a raw but super-talented dual-threat passer with only 13 college starts.

Some mock drafts had Richardson going No. 1 overall, but it was rare to see him falling out of the top 10. Richardson went No. 23 to the Minnesota Vikings in Peter King’s mock draft.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated published his final mock draft Wednesday, and he had Richardson falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 19 overall.

But that wasn’t the news from Breer’s mock draft. For the Washington Commanders at No. 16, Breer selects Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Buried in his prediction for Washington’s pick is the following blurb regarding Richardson.

And I did get a little late information that Washington exec Marty Hurney has advocated for Richardson.

Marty Hurney is Washington’s executive vice president of football/player personnel and is a trusted resource for head coach Ron Rivera. Remember, Hurney hired Rivera when he was the Carolina Panthers general manager. Even more interesting, Hurney and Rivera drafted Cam Newton at No. 1 overall back in 2011.

Could Hurney be pushing for Richardson because he sees Cam Newton in the young passer? Newton was a game-changing pick for the Panthers, winning the MVP award and making Carolina a contender during his time in Charlotte.

Washington believes in Sam Howell and intends to give him every chance to start in 2023. However, if Richardson is on the board at No. 16, how seriously would the Commanders consider taking him?

Thursday night should be interesting.

Will the Commanders join NFL clubs who were making moves Friday?

Friday was a busy day around the NFL. The Commanders were quiet, but that could change soon.

Wow! Friday was moving day in the NFL!

Teams were busy this week, and today made moves restructuring contracts to open up additional cap space in 2023.

Just when we thought the deals were concluded Friday, came the breaking news that the Panthers had traded their first-round choices in 2023 and 2024, second-round choices in 2023 and 2025 and receiver DJ Moore to the Bears for the top overall choice in Apri’s draft. Why did the Panthers give up all of that to move up only eight spots in a draft where there is clearly not a sure first pick overall?

Before considering the Commanders’ moves, look at the moves across the league, Friday. The Vikings releasing WR Adam Thielen after a decade in purple, will save $6.417 million on the cap.

The Bucs restructured the contracts of Vita Vea, Carlton Davis, Ryan Jensen and Chris Godwin to create $44 million in 2023 cap space.

The Eagles re-signed Brandon Graham to a one-year deal.

The Dolphins made a big decision, picking up  Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth year option.

The Broncos released guard Graham Glasgow freeing up $11M in cap space.

The Texans signed veteran wide receiver Robert Woods.

The Cardinals released Edge/LB Markus Golden, though he did accomplish 11 quarterback sacks a year ago.

Then there is the Commanders, as they …

No, there is no need to be harsh and call them names as some will. It could be that their moves are coming in the next day or so. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt before we enter into panic mode.

In the next few days be on the lookout as the Commanders may release a few players or restructure contracts on such players as tight end Logan Thomas (cap number $8,675,000), left tackle Charles Leno ($12,500,000), center Chase Roullier ($12,420,000), left guard Andrew Norwell ($5,080,000), offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas ($4,350,000 and running back J.D. McKissic ($3,230,000).

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Eric Bieniemy welcomed to the Commanders

Eric Bieniemy speaks with Julie Donaldson after his introductory press conference.

Julie Donaldson welcomed Eric Bieniemy to the Washington Commanders.

Here are some of Bieniemy’s thoughts. Here is the entire interview.

“I’ve known Coach Rivera for a number of years. He’s a great man, a man of integrity. He’s an outstanding leader of men and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to work with him.”

“A lot of people don’t know this, Marty Hurney was on the staff as the Director of Player Personnel when I was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. So, our relationship goes back to 1991.”

“So, it feels good being in an environment with people that you know but also good people who are professional men that understand what it takes to build a winner.”

“What makes me the right guy is the leadership that I am going to bring, holding guys to the highest standard, getting them to understand the importance of being accountable…understanding what consistent and disciplined behavior is, and you have to be willing to work at it every single day.”

“If you get a cohesive unit that believes in each other and plays for each other those guys will go out and be great because the talent is here.”

“It’s been an amazing ride; I’ve been there (Kansas City) for ten years. Throughout those ten years, we’ve had a great deal of success. My last five years there, I was offensive coordinator, and we went to five AFC Championship games, three Super Bowls and won two.”

“Like I said in my press conference, Comfort can become the enemy of progress and sometimes you just want to do something new, and its about embracing the challenge. I’ve never run from a challenge.”

“First of all you see a guy (Sam Howell) who can make a number of throws. But you always want to create competition to bring out the very best in every player. You want to create a competitive environment so that no one is taking anything for granted.”

“When it is all said and done, we want our guys being at their best, when their best is needed.”

“We are going to play complimentary football. We want our guys to not fall into the idea that we have to do ‘this’. No, we have to do whatever it takes to win.”

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Commanders executives Martin Mayhew, Marty Hurney paying close attention to one position at the Senior Bowl

This is good news for Washington.

It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders need help on the offensive line. It’s not just one position, either.

After Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff departed last offseason, Washington signed veteran Trai Turner to replace him. At left guard, Washington released Ereck Flowers and replaced him with Andrew Norwell.

Both players had their moments in 2022, but it was clear that Washington downgraded at both guard spots. The old adage is often true when you say, “you get what you pay for.”

While 2022 seventh-round pick Chris Paul could start at left guard in 2023, it’s not guaranteed. Paul will be in the mix, but he’ll have competition.

The Commanders understand they need to improve on the offensive line next season and expect to add some talent in the trenches either via free agency or the 2023 NFL draft. Or both.

At practice for this week’s Reese’s Senior Bowl, Washington has its entire coach staff in attendance, outside of head coach Ron Rivera, as well as general manager Martin Mayhew, executive vice president of football/player personnel Marty Hurney and senior director of player personnel Eric Stokes.

Washington’s assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton is coaching the National team’s offensive line, which features talented linemen like Dawand Jones, McClendon Curtis and Jaelyn Duncan, among others.

Wharton is getting an up-close look at this year’s offensive line class, but he isn’t the only one.

Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post spotted Hurney in the offensive line drills on Wednesday.

Jhabvala told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington and 106.7 The Fan that Hurney appeared “fixated” on the offensive linemen, which is good news for Washington fans.

Hurney wasn’t the only one.

On Thursday, while Wharton was working with the offensive linemen, Mayhew was up close taking a look at the group.

The Commanders have a solid history of picking good players from the Senior Bowl. Last year, Washington drafted Phidarian Mathis, Brian Robinson Jr., Sam Howell, Cole Turner and Paul from the Senior Bowl.

It’s been a good week for several offensive line prospects in Mobile. Perhaps the Commanders can land at least two of these players in April’s draft.