Dan Morgan and John Lynch: From NFL Stars to Successful GMs

From Player to Executive: The Path of Dan Morgan and John Lynch to General Management in the NFL

The transition from the field to the office isn’t a common path for NFL players, but the Carolina Panthers’ Dan Morgan and the San Francisco 49ers’ John Lynch have shown it’s possible. With dedication and a hard-working mentality, both former players have climbed the ranks to become successful general managers. Dan Morgan, who earned approximately $35 million as a Panthers linebacker between 2001 and 2009, faced a different reality when the Seattle Seahawks offered him an annual salary of $35,000 to be a scout in 2010. Despite the drastic salary difference, Morgan was determined to become an NFL general manager, and he knew that starting from the bottom was the way to go.

Many former players are not willing to do that, and that’s one of the reasons why only two of the 32 NFL general managers played in the league.

Dan Morgan

Morgan’s story reflects the challenge faced by players seeking a career in NFL management. According to data, only a small percentage of the league’s general managers have experience as professional players. While in the NBA, MLB, and NHL there is a greater representation of former players in leadership roles, in the NFL the transition is less common. Others believe that players may be ready to explore other options after dedicating most of their lives to American football. Some former players opt for jobs in television, as Lynch did. The game between the Morgan Panthers (6-5) and the Lynch 49ers (7-4) on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) is a testament to their success. For Morgan, dedication and hard work were fundamental to his rise.

Many players, when they finish playing, want to spend time with their families [instead of looking for an office job] because it’s a huge commitment. And usually, you have to start from the bottom, and they are not willing to do it.

Dan Morgan

The path to the general management involves lower starting salaries and long working hours. The off-season is especially intense due to scouting and draft preparation.

You have to be willing to do the hard work.

Brandon Beane, General Manager of the Buffalo Bills

Other former NFL players who have managed to become general managers include Ozzie Newsome, Martin Mayhew, John Dorsey, John Elway, and Ran Carthon. Lynch, for his part, had a less traditional transition. After a successful career as an analyst for Fox Sports, he made a direct call to Kyle Shanahan to offer his congratulations for obtaining the head coach position of the 49ers and propose the idea of working together. The meeting with Shanahan and the owner of the 49ers, Jed York, was a success, and Lynch accepted the offer. Lynch acknowledges that at first he was “a little naive” about the work of the scouts and the amount of effort involved. However, his experience as an analyst and player allowed him to succeed in his new role. He helped transform an organization that won few games in 2016, into a team that won 13 games in 2019 and reached Super Bowl LIV.

Dan Morgan spent three years as the Panthers’ assistant GM before being named general manager on January 22, 2024.Lynch’s success is based on the work ethic that made him a successful player. Morgan highlights the importance of “humility” and the constant curiosity to learn and improve.

Guys who are curious, who are always willing to learn, always looking to improve. They are hardworking and don’t have all the answers.

Dan Morgan

During the 2022 season, 49ers general manager John Lynch (left) orchestrated a trade with former Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer to acquire running back Christian McCaffrey.Morgan and Lynch, with their experience as players, can identify the talent and mentality needed to succeed in the league. Morgan believes that his experience gives him “instant credibility” with the players. The story of Morgan and Lynch demonstrates that, with dedication and hard work, former NFL players can achieve success in leadership roles off the field. Their example inspires others to follow in their footsteps and consider new opportunities in the world of American football.

John Lynch (47) played 11 seasons for the Broncos and four with the Buccaneers on his way to becoming a Hall of Fame member in 2021.Morgan and Lynch’s path to the general manager position highlights the importance of perseverance, humility, and a willingness to learn. Their success is a testament to their dedication and an example for other former players who aspire to pursue a career in NFL management.

Dan Morgan, the 11th pick of the 2001 draft, spent seven seasons playing as a linebacker for the Panthers.Panthers coach Dave Canales highlights the valuable perspective Morgan brings to the team, based on his experience as a player and leader. Morgan’s ability to find solutions and his positive approach are fundamental to the team’s success. For Morgan, the pride of helping the Seahawks win the Super Bowl after the 2013 season is comparable to the satisfaction of having achieved a record of 18 tackles in the Super Bowl for the Panthers in 2003. His transition to general management has been driven by a vision and a desire to succeed in the world of American football.