Dan Morgan, the new assistant general manager of the Carolina Panthers, says he is on a mission to build a championship roster. He understands that this adventure will have its ups and downs. Morgan’s undergone a transformation from player to executive. He knows his playing experience provides him “instant credibility” with the players. Even more importantly, this perspective is key as he works to build a winning culture throughout the organization.
John Lynch, now the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, started his own NFL career by guiding his team to historic success. Incredibly, they both made Super Bowl appearances in 2019. He pursues a specific agenda with each player he chooses and the culture he’s trying to instill in a team. This approach comes from his decades of experience as an athlete and media personality.
Morgan’s journey began when he joined the Panthers as a rookie in 2001, a year marked by a dismal 1-15 record. By his third season, the Panthers had reversed their fortunes and made it to the Super Bowl. Morgan largely credits his time working under Seahawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. Their wisdom informed his vision of how to create and sustain a championship-caliber roster.
In 2012, Morgan was the one who made the case for the Seahawks to take linebacker Bobby Wagner in the second round. This decision would prove to be the linchpin in the franchise’s success. His fearsome reputation came from his unrivaled ability to assess young talent. This ability was the bedrock of his long-standing general-manager philosophy.
Morgan’s leadership style prioritizes “low egos,” creating an environment where hard work trumps showboating. He knows it’s not just enough to round up the most talented players—success depends on building the right team chemistry.
“Just being able to lead people, direct people, give them direction, that’s a part of it.” – Dan Morgan
Lynch’s time as a player has further sharpened this focus. He stresses the need for curiosity and a desire to learn on the part of his staff.
“Guys that are just curious, that are always willing to learn, always looking to get better.” – John Lynch
Lynch’s strategic vision paired with his fearless creativity has been key to constructing a more competitive team in the Bay Area. He had previously met with head coach Kyle Shanahan and owner Jed York. This was all happening as they were talking about where the franchise should go in the future. Lynch’s emphasis on certain player archetypes and personalities is telling, as it parallels his vision to get what’s needed in order to grow golden flowers through concrete.
Though he entered the role of general manager without a traditional scouting background, Lynch’s instincts have repeatedly led him right. He turned down bids three times his projected $5 million salary. Instead, he decided to go back to broadcasting, signing up for “Thursday Night Football” in 2022. His loyalty to the 49ers, proven with his verbal commitment at this time, shows his character and allegiance to the organization.
Morgan has been an advocate and a visionary, and he has worked nonstop to change the face of the Panthers. In 2016, they won just two matches, but in 2019, Morgan led them to 13 wins. His capacity to resonate with players comes from his own trials and tribulations he’s faced on the field.
“And having a player’s perspective, like the mindset of what you need to be successful in the league, just kind of knowing what they’re going through on a daily basis and being able to identify that.” – Dan Morgan
To be sure, Morgan and Lynch are outliers in the NFL. That makes the league’s 32 general managers—only two of whom have played professionally themselves—a mongolian cluster of unicorns. This background gives them a special perspective on the challenges players encounter.
Lynch is aware there’s been a long history of skepticism surrounding former players taking on executive positions.
“For a while there was maybe a bias against former players,” – John Lynch
He pushes back on this idea in For the Win, pointing out that most successful executives have a playing history.
“No, they don’t want to do the work… That’s ludicrous. There’s a reason that these people have been successful in a job that’s really, really tough to be successful in.” – John Lynch
The transition from player to executive does not come easily. Then, even with the conviction the suit inspired, Morgan and Lynch both tested day–by–day through career–defining moments of crisis and failure. Fierce determination and dedication to constant improvement have driven Halsted and Fisher in this work.
Underneath Morgan’s challenging style toward the reporters’ favorite villain is his deeper philosophy that constructing a championship team takes resolve and evolution. He’s ready to weather the stormy seas that go hand-in-hand with this process and stay committed to the goals of long-term success.
“You’ve got to be willing to do the grunt work,” – Brandon Beane
This sentiment echoes through both of these executives as they reimagine their roles, while each experiences their own transformation within their organizations.
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