The Panthers picked an unusual time to part ways with general manager Dave Gettleman, Sporting News' 2015 NFL executive of the year. Just days before the start of 2017 training camp, Carolina suddenly is searching for a new GM.

The list of the best replacement candidates begin with another recently fired GM, but even with Brandon Beane leaving for Buffalo earlier in the offseason, the team can also end up turning to a familiar scouting face.

MORE: Former Panthers players happy about Gettleman's firing

John Dorsey, former Chiefs GM

Dorsey is the most natural and available name, having just worked for the reigning AFC West champs, a team that went 43-21 during Dorsey's four seasons with Andy Reid. With his scouting-leaning expertise, he can be a better organizational fit than Gettleman was without a drop-off from a successful track record.

Don Gregory, Panthers senior executive scout

Gregory deserves consideration beyond just being a Rooney Rule candidate. With Beane hired as the Bills GM and taking former Panthers scout Joe Schoen (Dolphins) to be his top assistant, Gregory is the strongest in-house consideration. He has served them well for a long time watching over both player and college personnel.

Trent Kirchner, Seahawks co-director of player personnel

Kirchner, a former longtime Panthers scout, has been a popular recent interviewee for GM jobs. Since 2015, the Jets, Lions, Colts and 49ers all have had serious interest. If Kircher still isn't interested in making a move yet, watch out for one of his colleagues under GM John Schneider — Dan Morgan.

Morgan, Seattle's director of player personnel, was a fan and organization favorite during his seven years as Panthers middle linebacker from 2001-07.

MORE: NFL's most hated players

Ryan Cowden, Titans director of player personnel

Cowden spent 16 years with the Panthers before he joined ace GM Jon Robinson in Tennessee in May of 2016. Like Dorsey, Cowden has a great reputation as a talent evaluator, and the Titans have made some terrific moves with younger and older players of late.

Brian Gutekunst, Packers director of player personnel

The Packers gave director of football operations Eliot Wolf a new contract as the 49ers were showing interest this year, and the indication is he's being groomed to replace Ted Thompson in time. Gutekunst, like Dorsey used to be, is another rising star in the organization who deserves increased outside interest.

George Paton, Vikings assistant GM

He got the Panthers' attention before they ended up hiring Gettleman in 2013. Rick Spielman's right-hand man remains overdue for a promotion.

MORE: NFL GM rankings for 2017

Steve Smith, former Panthers wide receiver

What? OK, this is a complete long shot, but not one totally out of the Carolina blue given what John Elway has done and what John Lynch can do.

When it comes to knowledge of the game and its players, Smith has it and has shown it quickly in retirement as an NFL Network analyst. Owner Jerry Richardson has done crazier things ... like firing his GM right before training camp.