Carolina fires GM Hurney

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Marty Hurney admits the losing environment for the Carolina Panthers must end. He won't be a part of the effort.

Hurney was fired as general manager Monday, one day after star quarterback Cam Newton expressed his frustration with a 1-5 start. The Panthers have the worst record in the NFC in a season that began with big expectations. But a 19-14 loss to Dallas was Carolina's fourth straight defeat.

Hurney, the GM since 2002, took responsibility for the team's failures.

He spoke to owner Jerry Richardson before Sunday's game and had an inkling he might be fired if the Panthers lost to the Cowboys. He met with Richardson again for two hours after the game Sunday night and was told he was fired on Monday.

It's simple. We're 1-5. We are 1-3 at home, Hurney said. We laid in egg in front of the Giants on national TV (a 36-7 loss) and came back the last two weeks and lost against teams we felt like we had a good chance to beat. It can't continue to go this way.

Hurney said he fought for his job, but in the end couldn't blame Richardson. Hurney added he thinks the Panthers need more leadership.

I think we need somebody to step up in the locker room and take hold, Hurney said. I think there are people capable of that. I think we need some players to step up and say enough is enough.