AUDIO: Panthers writer Bill Voth talks Gettleman firing

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Gettleman and Richardson may not have been getting along well, dating back to the Panthers rescinding a franchise tag offer to Josh Norman.

This decision comes days before training camp opens, and leaves the Panthers to wonder if they will be able to bounce back from their disappointing 6-10 finish previous year.

The team offered no immediate reason for Gettleman's dismissal. Smith took a parting shot at Gettleman on Twitter.

Williams, now a free agent, had recently told ESPN's Adam Schefter that there were four teams he would not consider playing for - the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and the Panthers.

Gettleman's firing continues an offseason of massive change in Carolina.

After making and losing the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos in 2015, the Panthers struggled in 2016, following up a 15-1 campaign with a 6-10 season. "I want to thank Dave for the role he played in our success over the past four seasons".

His mindset has apparently changed, although the Panthers might not need the veteran running back after selecting Christian McCaffrey with the No. 8 pick in the 2017 National Football League draft.

Less than 18 months removed from a dominant 2015 season that concluded with an NFC championship and just two losses, the Carolina Panthers are moving in a different direction.

Gettleman was hired by the Panthers in 2013 after he spent 14 years with the New York Giants, where he served as a scout (1998), pro personnel director (1999-2011) and senior pro personnel analyst (2012).