Packers reportedly go in-house for their new front office leader
One of the NFL’s most stable franchises continues an offseason already filled with turbulence.
Aaron Rodgers’ broken collarbone doomed Green Bay’s playoff hopes, and a seven-win season sparked a bunch of changes.
The Packers have parted ways with defensive coordinator Dom Capers, offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett, and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt.
Aside from Rodgers’ health, the biggest question around the Pack was who would replace general manager Ted Thompson, who was reassigned in the organization.
Changing the chief decision maker after 12 seasons is no small feat, but it looks like team president Mike Murphy has made the call.
The #Packers are hiring Brian Gutekunst as their GM. Finalizing a deal now, per @TomPelissero and me.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2018
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that Brian Gutekunst is Green Bay’s choice for general manager.
As is usually the case in situations like this, it’s all about the timing.
NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling reports that Green Bay’s request to interview Seahawks’ general manager John Schneider, who previously worked in the Packers’ front office and grew up in the Green Bay area, was denied by Seattle.
Schneider, along with coach Pete Carroll, has had tremendous success in the Pacific Northwest, leading the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances and one title.
Rapoport said Green Bay also sought permission to speak with Baltimore executive Eric DeCosta, who turned down the chance to interview.
One note on the #Packers GM search: They looked outside, including seeking an interview with #Ravens exec Eric DeCosta, who turned down an interview last night. Gutekunst ascends up the latter, while Russ Ball continues in his current role.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2018
Additionally, Gutekunst was in Houston to interview with the Texans. Houston needs to replace Rick Smith, who is taking a leave of absence to care for his wife, who’s recovering from breast cancer.
Not only will there be a new man in charge in Green Bay, but the job itself will look different. The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reports Gutenkunst will split some of the GM duties with Russ Ball, who has been in the organization for 29 years, serving as vice president of football administration/player finance.
I'm told Brian Gutekunst is splitting the job GM with Russ Ball as was reported by Bob McGinn last week.. The Packers didn't want to lose him to the Texans.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 7, 2018
Gutekunst has spent 19 seasons with Green Bay, but now he’ll be squarely in the spotlight, as he tries to bring the Pack back.
Under Thompson, the team was well-known for having a roster almost exclusively made up by players drafted by Green Bay while eschewing pricey free agents. We’ll see if the new boss is just like the old one.
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