CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are officially parting ways with General Manager Marty Hurney, the team announced Monday morning.

Hurney's contract initially ran through June of 2021.

Joining the team in 1998, Hurney began as the director of football administration, eventually becoming GM in 2002.

He was replaced as GM in 2012 but returned to the role in an interim basis, before resuming full-time in the position again after the 2017 season.

According to a news announcement on the team's website, David Tepper, the team's owner, said the decision came after recent conversations with Hurney in which it reportedly became clear they had different ideas about the team's operation. Tepper said he hopes to use a more data-driven process than the more traditional style Hurney was taking.

“I notified Marty that we would not be extending his contract beyond the 2020 season,” Tepper said. “This was a difficult decision. Marty has been a valuable member of our franchise and there is no way to convey my level of respect for him. We sincerely appreciate his hard work over 19 seasons and wish him well moving forward.”

While giving no specifics, Tepper does say that he has several names in mind for the GM position and emphasized the importance of picking someone who would be aligned with head coach Matt Rhule, who will be a part of the search.