When the Carolina Panthers announced they would be bringing in former New York Giants' general manager Ernie Accorsi to lead their search for a GM, even money said they would take a long look at Marc Ross and Dave Gettlemen -- two Giants' executives who are regarded to be next in line to run their own shows. Confirmation today affirmed those suspicions, as the Panthers have formerly requested interviews with both executives.

The news came from CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora, who broke the story via Twitter:

As I've been saying, Panthers high on Giants exec Dave Gettleman. Have asked permission to interview him for GM job as well as NYG Marc Ross — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 31, 2012

Dave Gettleman and Marc Ross deal with two sides of the same coin. The former from an NFL perspective, as Senior Pro personnel analyst, and the latter as the director of college scouting. There have been reports that the Carolina Panthers are looking for someone who has a long-term scouting background, which both men would satisfy.

Gettleman has been responsible for assisting the coaching staff with the evaluation of players in-house, as well as assisting in the scouting and organization of data on potential free agents.

Ross has been largely credited with recent New York Giants' successes through the draft, including Jason Pierre-Paul, and a spate of successful wide receivers taken in the last few drafts.

After months of speculation, there are finally some names Carolina Panthers' fans can hang their hats on. Either would be excellent choices, and have a solid resume behind them.