Former Giants and Colts G.M. Ernie Accorsi has been hired to help Panthers owner Jerry Richardson find the franchise’s next General Manager. The buzz in league circles is that Accorsi will recommend going with a younger option.
So far, three names have made their way onto the grapevine: former 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan, Ravens assistant G.M. Eric DeCosta, and Giants director of college scouting Marc Ross.
DeCosta has moved in recent years to the top of the “A” list for future/eventual General Managers. The contract he signed earlier this year, however, reportedly prevents him from leaving, in exchange for paying him like a G.M.
Ross worked with Accorsi in New York. Though there had been some initial buzz that Giants exec Dave Gettleman would be on the short list, Ross is gaining more steam as the potential option arising from Accorsi’s past connections.
McCloughan, who has spent the last two years in the Seahawks’ front office, had a significant role in the construction of a 49ers team that currently has a solid nucleus of veteran leaders. The circumstances of his departure, however, could work against him. Announced by the team as a “mutual parting,” McCloughan later said he was fired “for cause.”
But that’s all part of the process. In the end, Accorsi will make his recommendation to Richardson. And Richardson likely will accept it. Otherwise, why hire Accorsi in the first place?