Report: Panthers hire new director of player personnel

The Carolina Panthers are making a significant addition to their front office.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the team is hiring Pat Stewart (not that one) as their new director of player personnel. Stewart had been working as the Philadelphia Eagles’ national scout.

The #Panthers are hiring #Eagles national scout Pat Stewart as the new director of player personnel, I’m told.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 8, 2020

Before Stewart joined the Eagles in 2018, he spent 10 years with the New England Patriots’ organization in a variety of roles.

In case you’re wondering, there is a tangential connection with Matt Rhule. Stewart was working for Western Carolina in 2005 when Rhule was their associate head coach. He also put in a year at Temple in 2006 when Rhule was the defensive line coach.

Joe Person at the Athletic confirmed Rapoport’s reporting and included some more details. Apparently, Stewart will run the pro scouting side and Jeff Morrow will continue to oversee the college side.

Confirmed Pat Stewart hired as director of player personnel. Panthers not expected to hire as asst GM. This is the new hire. He'll oversee the pro scouting side, Jeff Morrow will retain exec. dir. of player personnel title and continue to oversee college side.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) May 8, 2020

There’s still no word yet on general manager Marty Hurney’s contract or if it will be renewed.