News Update: Operating officer has been withdrawn from Carolina’s search for a new general manager.

Another potential candidate seems to have opted out of consideration for a significant role with the Carolina Panthers, marking a potential setback for the team in their search for a new general manager. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that Mike Disner, the chief operating officer of the Detroit Lions, has withdrawn his name from the pool of candidates for the Panthers’ general manager position. The Panthers had expressed interest in interviewing Disner for the vacant role on January 10.

Hailing from West Bloomfield, Michigan, Disner has decided to remain within his local sphere, signaling his commitment to his current role with the Detroit Lions. With 16 years of experience in the league, Disner has spent the last four years in Detroit, holding positions such as senior vice president of football and business administration, as well as vice president of football administration.

Disner initiated his NFL journey as a scouting assistant for the New England Patriots in 2007. His career trajectory includes significant roles such as operations manager and labor operations coordinator for the National Football League Management Council from 2009 to 2012. Additionally, he served as the director of football administration for the Arizona Cardinals from 2013 to 2018.

Interestingly, this marks the second consecutive offseason in which a member of the Detroit Lions organization has withdrawn from consideration for a position within the Carolina Panthers. Previously, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson withdrew his name from consideration, although he still remains a candidate for the head-coaching job this year. The developments surrounding Disner’s withdrawal add another layer of complexity to the Panthers’ ongoing efforts to fill their general manager position.