Chiefs’ Ryan Poles gets second interview for Panthers’ general manager job

Kansas City Chiefs assistant director of player personnel Ryan Poles earned a second interview for the Carolina Panthers’ general manager job, the team confirmed on Wednesday. The second interview took place on Tuesday.

The Panthers conducted an initial round of 15 virtual interviews, which included speaking to Poles and Chiefs director of football administration Brandt Tillis. Poles earned the second look, along with Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort, 49ers vice president of player personnel Adam Peters and Seahawks vice president of football operations Scott Fitterer.

Poles has been a member of the Chiefs personnel department for nearly 12 years, starting as a scouting assistant in 2009 and working his way up to his current title. Poles was previously the Chiefs’ director of college scouting and plays a significant role in the team’s draft strategy. Poles served as general manager Brett Veach’s right-hand man during this year’s all-virtual draft, facilitating communication between critical members of the organization as the team made each pick.

The Panthers have noted Poles is a former offensive lineman at Boston College (where he blocked for Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan). At 35 years old, he is their youngest final candidate.

The Panthers are expected to name a new general manager later this week.