Official: Packers fire HC Mike McCarthy
Mark Murphy has clearly seen enough.
The Green Bay Packers will start their search for a new head coach a little earlier than expected.
After nearly 13 seasons with the team, the Packers have parted ways with Mike McCarthy.
The Green Bay Packers have parted ways with Head Coach Mike McCarthy & named Joe Philbin interim head coach: https://t.co/90ShlzFW4o pic.twitter.com/APewWgRYoX
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 3, 2018
According to a release made by the team Sunday evening, offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has been named the interim head coach for the final four games of the season.
Team president and CEO Mark Murphy expressed his parting words for McCarthy.
“The 2018 season has not lived up to the expectations and standards of the Green Bay Packers. As a result, I made the difficult decision to relieve Mike McCarthy of his role as head coach, effective immediately. ... Mike has been a terrific head coach and leader of the Packers for 13 seasons, during which time we experienced a great deal of success on and off the field. We want to thank Mike, his wife, Jessica, and the rest of the McCarthy family for all that they have done for the Packers and the Green Bay and Wisconsin communities. We will immediately begin the process of selecting the next head coach of the Green Bay Packers.”
The Packers lost to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and fell to 4-7-1 on the season, virtually -- but not mathematically -- eliminating them from playoff contention. They'd still be able to sneak in with a 8-7-1 record, but they'd need a lot of things to go their way, making it far from realistic.
McCarthy was hired in 2006, replacing Mike Sherman. During his time with the Packers, he coached them to a 125-77-2 record, including winning a Super Bowl in 2010. They won the NFC North six times during his tenure and earned playoff spots every year except 2006, 2017 and presumably 2018.
ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that the Packers brought McCarthy in after Sunday's loss and relieved him of his duties. According to Schefter, McCarthy wasn't expecting it -- and neither were most.
The belief was that the Packers would at least let McCarthy finish the season with plans to fire him at its culmination. After Sunday, that won't be the case anymore.
The Packers sport one of the most desirable coaching destinations entering the offseason, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- now 35 years old -- and a young roster with handfuls of talent.
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (286)
albert999
December 02, 2018 at 06:18 pm
ABOUT FRIGGIN TIME
GBPDAN1
December 02, 2018 at 06:24 pm
Love ya, Mike, but it was over due. We Need to get new. I know Ted didn't help you much lately with his terrible drafting and personal moves the last 3 years or so, but, your offense was stale and needed to be reworked/replaced. Good luck to you and to our Packers moving forward.
KenEllis
December 02, 2018 at 06:26 pm
I agree that Ted did not help and the roster sucks. In fact Ted's incompetence goes back further than 3 years.
But Mike contributed to the failures and he deserved his fate.
Barnacle
December 02, 2018 at 08:07 pm
MM did not manage his coaches and is too slow thinking for play calling. He was over-his-head and lots of good players have suffered.
He is a prime example of the old “peter principle”. He reached his level of incompetence and we missed a couple of Super Bowls because of him.
Ted provided a lot of great players, but poor coaching messed up our results on the field. Ted’s biggest mistake was not managing MM effectively.
I am shocked that Cleveland would be interested in MM. If he can’t win with a hall of fame QB, what well he do without one?
carlos
December 02, 2018 at 06:53 pm
Classy GPDan. Well put.
tm_inter
December 02, 2018 at 07:01 pm
Well said, GBPDAN1. I love MM personally but hate his play-calling. I wish him well in his future job.
Swisch
December 02, 2018 at 09:17 pm
Good stuff, GBPDAN1.
This was a good move, but still a sad day.
McCarthy led us to a Super Bowl, three NFC championship games, and eight straight playoff appearances. How many Packers coaches have done better?
During the McCarthy years, the Packers became a standard of excellence. It's hard to believe he wasn't a big part of that.
I'm not so sure even Lombardi would've lasted thirteen seasons.
This is a good decision for McCarthy and the Packers and the fans. Thanks for a lot of good times, Mike McCarthy, and God bless you going forward!
Rak43
December 03, 2018 at 03:09 am
I've heard a number of names pop up as possible replacements for McCarthy, one I have not heard surprisingly is Urban Meyer as he will be a FA in 2019. I'm curious how fans here would feel about Meyer as GB's next head coach considering he has had success and championships everywhere he goes in pressure situations. Please vote up for yes and down for no if you also would like to see the collective thoughts of our fellow Cheesehead brothers and sisters on this. Thanks.
zeke
December 03, 2018 at 04:03 am
Meyer’s medical issues may keep him from pursuing another job.
ShanghaiKid
December 02, 2018 at 06:18 pm
Holy shit...Never thought I’d live to see the day the Packers fired a HC mid-season. Label me shocked. No that’s not sarcasm
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:46 pm
Me too.
After, expected. During, shocked.
Now, can GB interview assistant coaches from other NFL teams, or do they have to wait until the season ends?
Which means playoff teams’ coaches are off limits till after their seasons end?
PAPackerbacker
December 02, 2018 at 06:23 pm
I's about time they got rid of him. He's to stubborn and hard headed to lead the Packers any more. He's lost his edge and needs to move on. Good luck on your endeavors MM whatever they may be. But your time in Green Bay is over.
fthisJack
December 02, 2018 at 06:44 pm
should have happened after that fiasco against Seattle in 15.
PAPackerbacker
December 02, 2018 at 06:52 pm
Agreed. His time has come and gone. I've been saying this for the last 3 years.
Lare
December 02, 2018 at 06:20 pm
I'm not surprised that it happened, just surprised that it happened now.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:47 pm
Same.
Free agent
December 02, 2018 at 07:14 pm
By Murphy making a change now it keeps the heat off of him for the rest of the season. If he waited until the end of the season the Board of directors might have dropped the hammer on Murphy as well as McCarthy.
Irish_Cheesehead
December 02, 2018 at 07:29 pm
Yep. Guess they want a jump on other teams looking for a HC this off-season.
Guam
December 02, 2018 at 10:14 pm
Agreed.
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 06:22 pm
I'm surprised at the timing but the move was easy to see coming.
MM was a very good HC for a very long time but it just was not working anymore. I think he'll land on his feet somewhere and do well, like Andy Reid. Either way, I'm happy that it is done.
Philbin was my preferred choice for interim, if it came to this. The bottom line for me is that Rodgers needs to get himself wired properly. I think Philbin is the best chance for that to happen in the coming 4 games.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:49 pm
Do we want them to win some of these next four, not make the playoffs, and pick later in each round??
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 07:00 pm
I do. I want to see Rodgers magic every chance I can. Losing a month of his remaining time is not something I'm looking forward to.
jeremyjjbrown
December 02, 2018 at 07:10 pm
I want him on IR tomorrow, along with about 6 other guys.
jeremyjjbrown
December 02, 2018 at 08:10 pm
Seriously though, why play Rodgers anymore in 2018? There are no benefits, just a huge injury risk.
PortlandMark
December 02, 2018 at 09:26 pm
The problem with benching Rodgers is that fans have already paid a lot of money for tickets to see him play. I'm glad that I have made it to GB to see him lead the Packers twice. If I had paid good money for tickets to a Packer home game and Rodgers was healthy but benched I'd be pissed.
Guam
December 02, 2018 at 09:40 pm
While I would like to see the Packers get the highest draft pick possible, I think not only the fans but also the league would have a large problem with benching a healthy Rodgers and tanking the last four games. Intentionally losing those games could impact another team's playoff status (Bears). The Packers could face a very stiff fine for not competing fairly in the last four games.
jeremyjjbrown
December 02, 2018 at 10:51 pm
Based on what? Who has been fined for it?
Guam
December 03, 2018 at 04:33 am
Its about the integrity of the game. I don't know that anyone has been fined before in the NFL, but there have been discussions about fines in the NBA for tanking games to secure a high draft choice. Can't see the league allowing a team to compromise the integrity of the game without some repercussions.
Skip greenBayless
December 03, 2018 at 12:43 am
I think based on Rodgers recent play that we could make a case that sitting Rodgers the last 4 games actually increases our chances of winning. Think about it. Who the hell has this guy beat this season other than Mike McCarthy? I almost bet a healthy Boyle is better than the Rodgers we are seeing out there today against Rosen.
HugePackersFan
December 03, 2018 at 06:32 pm
Dash: I agree that it makes perfect sense to bench ARod and install DeShone Kizer as the Starting QB for the last 4 games. ARod cannot sustain any more injuries while being benched this season, which will make him perfectly healthy and at his physical best for the 2019 Season. You can read frustration, anger, and dismay in his eyes... Arod is pissed at losing, pissed at MM lousy play calling, disappointed that his practice time has been lessened by injury, thus causing his new rookie receivers to lose continuity in fielding his catches. His last 4 games reflect many poor passes, quite uncommon for him, and to show MM how unbalanced his play calling, he has set a record for throwing the ball away on many plays. DeShone Kizer is a good athlete, throws the ball well, runs effectively for 1st downs. All he lacks is game time experience with our decimated starters to settle in and perform well. The Pack need to know whether to keep him or cut him at season end, only discernible by letting him play and analyze his game talents. I do not know who the Rocket Scientist is that advocated MM go to the Browns, but their fans have seen enuf failure during the past 3 plus seasons. Their 8-51-1 record from 2015-2018 YTD confirms that a top notch head coach is drastically needed there. Baker M. said about H.Jackson that the players can now believe in the offensive plays that the OC sends in, and both Jackson and MM never use any gadget plays ,new formations etc. Both of these guys should watch College and NFL game films to learn what modern, new, highly successful OC play calling produces in final determinations of their games...outstanding results. MM should shred his 150 plays play calling sheet, an replace it with a U.S. Postage stamp. Run left is 1, Run Right is 2, Pass Anywhere is 3, Punt or try F.G. is 4. The new broom in GB will sweep clean for the 2019 season!!!
Pierre
December 03, 2018 at 06:18 am
They would be tanking by playing Rodgers...just look at his record!
JonathanSpader
December 02, 2018 at 09:41 pm
JJ, the reason to play Rodgers in 2018 is to see if MM was the problem or if Rodgers is the problem. Firing MM doesn't instantly fix Rodgers have a garbage fire 2018. Can Philbin get Rodgers back on track or do we need to replace Rodgers moving forward? The reason to play Kizer or Boyle in 2018 is to see what our backup depth looks like. If they struggle it could also lead to a higher draft pick. I don't really care what Philbin decides to do because regardless of his decision it'll at least be interesting which is more than I can say for 2018 up to this point.
I really wish I could be more surprised that MM only ran A. Jones 11 times against the NFL's 30th ranked rushing defense. Or that the game came down to Rodgers missing an open WR in the end zone to throw to one who was double covered. Or that Croby missed yet another game winning field goal. The Packers did what they needed to releasing MM and I'm now more excited for 2019 than I was when I woke up this morning.
GO PACK GO
holmesmd
December 02, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Excellent point Jonathan S! I’m predicting that #12 is at least as much to blame as MM. Now what?!
jeremyjjbrown
December 02, 2018 at 10:59 pm
Philbin is not going to change the scheme enough to know anyway.
I do not prioritize what's best for the NFL or the Bears or people who took a risk and bought tickets for something six months out. I prioritize what helps the Packers in 2018 and beyond. How do you think the new coach will fair if AR gets hurt and misses all of training camp and can't participate in the install. What will ticket values be then?
Guam
December 03, 2018 at 04:37 am
You may not prioritize the integrity of the game, but I hope the Packer management and the NFL will.
jeremyjjbrown
December 03, 2018 at 07:30 am
Oh yeah, we should remember the NFL League office, a shiny beacon of integrity.
HankScorpio
December 03, 2018 at 06:41 am
"I prioritize what helps the Packers in 2018 and beyond. "
Heavy emphasis on the "beyond" part, apparently. It is a very tough sell to make the case that shelving the best players out of fear of injury is best for the 2018 Packers. Such timid action can actually have very negative long-term ramifications.
Aside from the damage to the notion that everyone on the team is in it together, the "beyond" Packers are married to Aaron Rodgers. His contract status dictates he's not going anywhere anytime soon. Taking away opportunities for him to work in live action with the cast of young skill position players does not help gain the chemistry they are lacking now. It sets that back.
Tundraboy
December 03, 2018 at 08:21 am
"I don't really care what Philbin decides to do because regardless of his decision it'll at least be interesting which is more than I can say for 2018 up to this point."
That's for sure. Let's enjoy, see what we have and get ready for more changes and the draft.
Go Pack Go. Feels good to write that again. Been awhile.
byu.tech
December 03, 2018 at 12:56 am
rodgers garbage year???????
ahahahaahhahahahaahahhaahhaahah
90% of QBs would dream that garbage year
Barnacle
December 03, 2018 at 07:33 am
Jonathan
I am now more excited about 2019 also.
JonathanSpader
December 03, 2018 at 11:53 am
Barnacle,
You and I haven't always seen eye to eye I'm glad we found something we can agree on :).
Free agent
December 02, 2018 at 07:19 pm
Philbin needs to bring in a new special teams coach, and while he’s at it a new QB’s coach. Why wait they Suck!
Irish_Cheesehead
December 02, 2018 at 07:32 pm
Interim coaches don't hire new assistants. He'll just coach out the remainder of the season.
ThxJackVainisi
December 02, 2018 at 07:31 pm
I prefer the Packers get a high draft pick. Gutekunst has them in position to restock the talent with an extra late first round pick and an extra 4th rounder. OTC has them at about $38M under the cap (with 40-some players under contract) in '19. The earlier their pick in the first round the better). The Packers management and team can't/shouldn't think this way but as a lifelong Packers fanatic I'd much prefer losses the rest of this lost season than wins which put the first rounder closer to the middle of that round. Remember the last time the Packers won a meaningless end of season game to lose out on a great draft pick?
Best of luck to McCarthy (except if he coaches against the Packers of course). He didn't fail for lack of effort or laziness IMO. Unless your name is Belichick I think teams tune you out after a certain number of years. And Ted did not do McCarthy any favors the last several years of his tenure.
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 07:52 pm
"Remember the last time the Packers won a meaningless end of season game to lose out on a great draft pick?"
Do you mean the time that 4 of the top 5 picks were HoFers and the Packers picked a huge bust at #2? If they drafted Barry Sanders instead of Mandarich, would you use getting him instead of Aikman as a talking point in support of losing?
NitschkeFan
December 02, 2018 at 08:57 pm
Of course there is no guarantee that the #7 pick will turn out better than the #17 pick. But there is a higher probability. Why risk further injury to Rodgers, Bakh, Bulaga, Kenny Clark, King, Alexander ? There is nothing for them to gain by playing in these last few meaningless games.
jeremyjjbrown
December 02, 2018 at 09:00 pm
People who are not used to playing the long game are not going to like it. I am going to rethink sharing my preference s on this one.
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 09:52 pm
There is a word for what you're talking about NF. It's called "quitting" and it is not a smart thing for a football team to demonstrate that quitting is OK based on a "probable" better pick, IMO
No matter what, there will be 53 guys on the roster and 46 up on game day for the next 4 weeks. I don't think they will be happy with the team's commitment to them if the best players are sent away. If any will be around in 2019, that might be something that lingers.
Do you think a guy like Bakh is going to be happy that he is forced to abandon his team when things get tough? Do you think he's going to be happy if he loses out on All-Pro or Pro Bowl because he missed 4 games?
Not to mention that there is something to be said for showing some pride and finishing strong after such an train wreck of a season.
Rak43
December 02, 2018 at 09:12 pm
Hank, I think he means last year when Hundley won those two games even though we all knew the playoffs weren't happening and causing our pick to fall out of the top ten and we got stuck with some scrub named Jaire Alexander with the 18th pick. {sarcasm}
ThxJackVainisi
December 03, 2018 at 06:35 pm
No Rak47, I meant the last game of the '88 season when the Packers won the game and lost the "Aikman bowl".
"Do you mean the time that 4 of the top 5 picks were HoFers and the Packers picked a huge bust at #2?" Yes, because hindsight is 20/20. At the time the Packers were desperate for a QB: Majkowski before his "majic" season and Randy Wright were the starting QBs in 1988. If the Packers hadn't won a meaningless game, they'd have picked Aikman and some other team would have had the 'pleasure' of picking Mandarich.
As I posted the Packers can't think this way but I'd be happy if they lose the rest of the games to get a pick in the top 5. The stench of that finish and the season up until now will be washed away by the fresh start of a new HC.
Rak43
December 05, 2018 at 01:56 am
Lmao, that's the dumbest shit ever dude. No one forced them to take Mandarich, they could've had either Sanders, Barry or Deion. Or they could've picked Derrick Thomas. And if they got Aikman they never would've gotten Favre and I'd rather have Favre any day. Real professionals play for pride as well, I can promise you no one on the Packers wants to lose the rest of their games for draft position.
ThxJackVainisi
December 06, 2018 at 08:48 pm
Don't know if you have trouble reading DUDE, but I posted the Packers organization and players can't think that way but losing games improves their draft capital and winning them means absolutely nothing, except perhaps elevating Philbin to real candidate status. (I think Philbin can be a good OC, but not HC.) The point that obviously went sailing over your head DUDE was winning that last game did them absolutely no good.
Also, of course they could've picked a different player, but they didn't DUDE, did they? Favre over Aikman? OK, but you can't say Aikman was incapable of winning titles, can you? For all of Favre's greatness, they won one title with him. Aikman with a great D would have had a chance to at least match that.
Bearmeat
December 02, 2018 at 06:21 pm
Thanks for the memories, Mike!
Christmas comes early this year! WOOOOOOOT!
Gute ain't messin around. And it's nice that Murphy listened!
Rak43
December 02, 2018 at 09:17 pm
I guess Murphy still has some surprises and tricks up his sleeve. This one came out of left field for me, I'm still shocked he fired McCarthy before season's end.
ollie418
December 02, 2018 at 06:22 pm
Christmas has come early! Bye bye!
Packer_Fan
December 02, 2018 at 06:22 pm
I glad it happened now. See what changes will occur during the last four games. We can see if Rodgers changes a bit and gets better.
And why not follow up and fire Zook too. This will help the players to understand they need to play better and with more discipline.
Packer_Fan
December 02, 2018 at 06:22 pm
I glad it happened now. See what changes will occur during the last four games. We can see if Rodgers changes a bit and gets better.
And why not follow up and fire Zook too. This will help the players to understand they need to play better and with more discipline.
Roadrunner23
December 02, 2018 at 06:23 pm
It would have been classy move to give him the option of stepping away at seasons end.
But a needed move now or at seasons end either way.
Thanks for 13 seasons a lot of playoff victories and a Super Bowl Mike
4thand1
December 02, 2018 at 06:41 pm
No good move now, get a leg up on some other teams for the next offensive minded young coach.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:51 pm
That’s my question: don’t they have to wait?
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:02 pm
Yep. But they can start assembling a list of candidates.
Cubbygold
December 02, 2018 at 07:08 pm
They cant hire a college coach until the end of the season? Wasn't aware of that, seems like an odd rule
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 07:39 pm
Thank you, dob.
Guam
December 03, 2018 at 04:43 am
They already have that list. I am sure this decision wasn't a great surprise for Murphy or Gutekunst. Which makes you wonder why they pulled the trigger now since they can't start the search for a new coach until the end of the season. They must have seen something else they didn't like - maybe the team was quitting on MM.
jeremyjjbrown
December 02, 2018 at 07:16 pm
Yeah, but now they can do all the assemble the candidates with more time to do research and start making calls for interviews minute 0.
carlos
December 02, 2018 at 07:10 pm
It’s a hard league Nost.
Mojo
December 02, 2018 at 07:13 pm
To nostradanus' point, they might have ended-up doing MM a favor. No awkward four games where everyone knows he's going to be fired anyway. No sulking ARod.
Now MM can get a head-start on finding a new job if he wants to go that way.
Whatever anyone thinks of MM as a coach he is a good person who often stated GB was the best job in football. Too bad it came to this, but it should be better for both sides after it's all said and done.
Minniman
December 02, 2018 at 08:07 pm
... and therein is the reason why a President can only serve 2 terms.
I can't expand on what GPDAN01 so eloquently wrote further up the post.
Thanks Mike, happy trails.
Demon
December 02, 2018 at 06:26 pm
Murphy is capable of making a good decision. Who would have guessed?
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 07:12 pm
Murphy's next good decision should be to revert to the former power structure. Put the GM (Gute) back as the "direct reports" for the next HC.
JonathanSpader
December 02, 2018 at 09:46 pm
Murphy said the structure was put in place to improve communication. MM needed more than just better communication to do his job. I saw Murphy's power structure move as a way to see what exactly the problem with the Packers was. We saw that MM was part of the problem not the solution he's gone. Gute appears to be part of the solution not the problem. Can't wait to see what Philbin does. I want to see this "reworked" playbook. Can't use Rodger's injury as an excuse and can't use MM as an excuse.
Lare
December 02, 2018 at 06:29 pm
Was anyone at the game? I'm guessing there were some Boo's.
stockholder
December 02, 2018 at 06:29 pm
Don't stop now Murphy. TT should be next. And you should resign too.
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 07:21 pm
TT was already fired. That new broke 11 months ago.
Gute's first year has demonstrated that TT's title is ceremonial/honorary.
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:34 pm
Some people need to put their tinfoil hats away.
Irish_Cheesehead
December 02, 2018 at 07:34 pm
TT is small potatoes now. Murphy finally showed he has some balls.
Donster
December 02, 2018 at 06:32 pm
About time! I've waited way to long for MM to be shown the door. Kept Capers around way to long too. Now get TT the hell out of the Packers organization! Russ Ball too.
JonathanSpader
December 02, 2018 at 09:50 pm
Why get rid of Ball? The Perry contract sucks but a lot of that was on TT for not drafting more OLBers. Davante Adams, Bahk, Linsley, Taylor, all look like great contracts for the Packers. If you look at TGR's value article Ball's done a fairly good job for the Packers.
jeepingmakooi
December 03, 2018 at 10:17 am
Ball is also a big part of the reason guys like peppers and Hayward are gone. He is very stingy with money and yes it may help talent wise to keep younger players around but sometimes players are worth the money to keep them here... Imagine if we had Hayward to play in place of the always hurt King?
JonathanSpader
December 03, 2018 at 10:42 am
I imagine Capers would still have been using Hayward in the slot and he wouldn't be the player he has been with the Chargers who gave him the opportunity to prove himself. Having Hayward on the team might mean that the Packers didn't draft Alexander. I'll take Alexander over Hayward. Hayward was always injured as well prior to leaving GB so by your logic maybe King will get healthy and step up the way Hayward did here's hoping.
Donster
December 02, 2018 at 06:32 pm
About time! I've waited way to long for MM to be shown the door. Kept Capers around way to long too. Now get TT the hell out of the Packers organization! Russ Ball too.
packerbackerjim
December 02, 2018 at 09:26 pm
I don’t understand this comment at all. Russ Ball is a salary cap genius but he does not make the decisions as to who gets extended, what their salary is, etc. That is determined by the GM. He structures it to make it as team friendly as possible, not having “dead” money lurking for years.
Lphill
December 02, 2018 at 06:32 pm
I was expecting it Mike.
Altered Idol
December 02, 2018 at 06:33 pm
An ignominious end to one of the franchise's most successful coaches. I thought McCarthy should have been fired but fully expected him to see out the season. Maybe he should have, maybe he shouldn't given the debacle that has unfolded.
We should thank him for everything he did to revitalise this franchise and make the Packers and Green Bay better. It was time for change but that does not diminish what he did for the Packers.
The problems run deeper than McCarthy though and I'd hope people remain realistic about things turning around.
Thanks Mike, genuinely gave me some amazing moments that I will never forget.
Stic
December 02, 2018 at 07:21 pm
Turning this around won't be easy but the longer the wait the longer the pain.
Bedrock
December 02, 2018 at 06:34 pm
As much as this team was his responsibility, he had a ton to overcome. Bare cupboard talent-wise, injuries to key positions, early season robbery of key sacks...and on and on... Aaron is right when he said the offense misses a little here, a little there. But, ultimately, it was his to overcome, his to straighten out. He didn’t.
He got us a Super Bowl victory when there are A LOT of coaches that cannot say the same.
It’s sad to see him go because that means we have to start with a new coach and all because of wasting another Rodger’s season.
Hopefully the grass is greener on the other side.
HankScorpio
December 02, 2018 at 08:13 pm
"Bare cupboard talent-wise,"
Rodgers, Bakh and Clark are among the very best at their positions. Adams, Jones, Daniels and Alexander are just a tick below the very best at their positions. That's a very solid core group of 7 at very important positions. About the only position that has been an absolute liability is RG.
The total is less than the sum of the parts, IMO. For whatever reason, this team has under-achieved. When that happens, the HC is usually the guy to take the fall.
Bedrock
December 02, 2018 at 09:10 pm
Okay, backups. I didn’t mean the entire roster. Just our second string starters. You know, the safeties, the linebackers, the wide receivers...
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:17 pm
Safety, OLB, ILB, ....
Can’t agree with you. We have glaring holes and areas of true mediocrity. We do have some potential, but this year this roster is just not there as a whole on either side. Next year may see some real progress but this season our roster is simply not strong enough despite the players you named.
That MM couldn’t beat that fact is clear. The real question is could a different coach have led us to the Super Bowl. I doubt it very much. TT’s late career legacy has come back to bite with a vengeance.
HankScorpio
December 03, 2018 at 06:23 am
There is no team that has a perfect 53 man roster. Every team is looking for talent upgrades in multiple positions. The history of the NFL is littered with mediocre players on great teams cashing in via free agency. It's not until they go to teams that are not clicking on all 8 cylinders that people begin to appreciate their mediocrity. Success in the NFL is largely about coaching staffs that get the most out of the talent given to them and cover up the areas of weakness they are dealt the most effectively.
OTOH, the Packers of late have been a little bit opposite of leading mediocre players to great FA contracts. Guys like Micah Hyde and Casey Hayward have had move elsewhere to really blossom--move to coaching staffs that recognized how to maximize their talent and cover up their weaknesses. Damarious Randall may be turning into another guy like that. Lawrence Guy has carved out a long career and is currently a starter on one of the NFL's better teams. Breno Giacomini started 86 games after the Packers deemed him not worthy of a roster spot.
JonathanSpader
December 03, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Casey Hayward had a great season with the Packers and was injury ridden after that. It's not like he didn't play well with the Packers he had a ton of interceptions his rookie year. Hyde had multiple interceptions and returned a punt for a TD it's not like he wasn't good with the Packers.
Jordy Nelson was cut and how did he fare in Oakland? We kept Linsley over Tretter and that's looking like it was a good decision based off of their performances vs. their contracts. Lang and Sitton have been as healthy as Brulaga and are paid a lot more.
There are players who have revitalized their careers with the Packers as well that people tend to ignore/forget and just focus on Hyde and Hayward. Letroy Guion was an idiot but after doing nothing in MN broke out in GB and was a solid but not spectacular player. After disappearing in Chicago Julius Peppers revived his career in GB. Woodson is my favorite Packer of alltime and he revived his career in GB and went on to win DPOY.
jh9
December 02, 2018 at 06:34 pm
This should have happened in 2015 after the Packers lost to Seattle in the NFCCG.
PackfanNY
December 02, 2018 at 06:35 pm
I really like and respect Mike McCarthy. He was/is a good coach. But it is time. I don't think the message wasn't getting through any more.
Now, let's not kid ourselves either, some people still here (and some soon to be gone) should be looking in the mirror beginning with the QB who has not played up to lofty standards. The talent level is down and we need an infusion. Gute has plenty of ammo in the form of picks and money for Free Agents. Time to aggressively fill the holes in the offseason as time is wasting.
Lastly, it will be curious to see who the next coach is. It will be very telling. Happy to see they acted quickly and decisively. Go Pack!
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:53 pm
Is the popular assumption an offensive minded guy?
Will the new HC ditch Pettine?
This will be muy interesante!
tm_inter
December 02, 2018 at 07:12 pm
Well said, PackfanNY.
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:18 pm
Very well put
flackcatcher
December 02, 2018 at 06:36 pm
Mike McCarthy's time in Green Bay has ended. But not like this. Hasty, cheap, and shoddy.All the hall marks of someone trying to dump their bad decisions on some one else. My guess is this all started when Murphy tried to ram Russ Ball through as GM and failed. Murphy is a lame duck in the final months of his contract. Either way he's done. But Mike McCarthy deserved to go out with his head held high. Not surprised Murphy did it like this. Revenge is a cheap dish easily serve. It's all going to come out now. This is going to get ugly, real ugly....
stockholder
December 02, 2018 at 07:10 pm
Gute said he was happy with the direction of the team. How long do you estimate he'll be the GM?
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:21 pm
The team shows signs of a turnaround in terms of roster potential. That’s what a GM looks at when not the master of the HC. Gute is right, but from his moves I suspect he knew better than us that the rewards would not be felt this year.
Murphy should be out and Gute given his chance.
Since'61
December 02, 2018 at 07:12 pm
Flak - I think that you may be right. Murphy has made a mess of this organization. Thanks, Since '61
Minniman
December 02, 2018 at 08:17 pm
Out of curiosity Since'61 , how so? Do you think (as many, many at CHTV do) that the Packers organization "played the hot hand" too long and gave waning performers too much slack?
Since'61
December 02, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Minniman - we're not inside 1265 so we'll never know 100% for sure what was going in there. However, over the years we never really heard much from Murphy unless he was updating the fans on the progress of Titletown or Packer World or whatever his development project is called. That's fine it is part of his role to find additional revenue streams for the Packers. But it seems like football is becoming a hobby in Green Bay while Packerville is getting much of the focus from management.
Then at the end of 2017 he swoops into the football operation and moves TT to an advisor role. OK TT was overdue to be replaced as GM but why keep him around and then create a structure with Gute, the new GM, MM and Ball reporting to him. Any structure can work if managed correctly but how does Gute feel about his job security if TT is still hanging around doing and saying who knows what to who and with the HC having a direct line to Murphy.
Fast forward to today. Is the new HC also going to have a direct line to Murphy? Is Murphy going to hire the new HC or will Gute get to make his own choice for HC? Will some of the better candidates want to enter into a structure where they don't report to the GM?
Much has happened since Murphy stepped into the football side of the Packers organization. I'm not sure that it has all been for the best. Has it already impacted the results the on the field? It would be nice if Green Bay had a media that would get some answers for us but I'm not expecting it to happen.
We'll see if much changes over the next 4 games. But if you're a player are you going 100% over the next 4 games and risk a serious injury when you don't know where this team is going? We're looking at 4 glorified preseason games. Fortunately the Baseball season is only 4 months away. Thanks, Since '61
Minniman
December 02, 2018 at 11:32 pm
Thanks for that.
With Philbin and Pettine hired last year (and both being ex-head coaches) do you think that the stage was set to give MM either the season to turn things around or move on from him.
Like you said, it'll be years before we find out the truth.
The Packers org structure is unique too....
croatpackfan
December 03, 2018 at 10:35 am
I mostly agree with your thoughts. And I believe that is not Packers way to show that haste. It would be much better to show some dignity in loss, as it is necessary to show it when you are winning....
Grandfathered
December 02, 2018 at 07:18 pm
Murphy managed to go from a net profit of $29M 2 years ago to $39M last year. Built a packer playground , and positioned the team for further profit for years to come. I doubt he gets let go.
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:27 pm
Those developments do have a professional team, but yes he has helped the future revenue stream. That, however, depends upon a vibrant organization on the field. The Packers drive revenue as they draw people in year round based on two decades of being good. Murphy also admitted not seeing the problems within Lambeau. In an owner free organization that is not acceptable. Like the other MM, he should be thanked for his past efforts and askex to seek new opportunities. It should be Gute’s vision now.
4thand1
December 02, 2018 at 06:39 pm
Ok , no need to gloat, everyone seen it coming and MM is to blame, but he's not alone. There will be more heads rolling (as in players) to come. I liked MM but the game passed him by years ago. Heard one former player from Pitt say they were running the same offense from 2011. Thanks for the SB big Mike, best wishes in Cleveland.
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 06:52 pm
I hope that Philbin concentrates on running the team and lets someone else call the plays.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:54 pm
Maybe 12?
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:06 pm
My guess would be James Campen.
If Philbin has any aims on trying to be the Packers coach in 2019, he can't let QB1 call plays for himself.
stockholder
December 02, 2018 at 07:13 pm
#12 will be calling the plays. Bank on it. Philbin will say: A,B, or C. Your call.
Oppy
December 02, 2018 at 07:46 pm
That's a large part of what got MM fired.
badaxed
December 02, 2018 at 10:15 pm
Rodgers, coach maker, coach killer.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 07:14 pm
I wonder what Philbin’s plans are.
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:36 pm
...to be looking for a new job in January, probably.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 07:41 pm
Agreed.
Only one I wonder about is Pettine.
And maybe Whitt.
(So I guess that’s two.)
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:31 pm
Let Pettine handle the D and a new HC tackle offense and special teams. That is enough of a mountain to climb.
No disrespect to Whitt, but I feel we need new blood with new ideas to shake the tree profoundly on offense. We are stale.
Minniman
December 02, 2018 at 08:24 pm
Yes I saw that too. Cleveland seems to be the hot speculative venue bouncing around twitter at the moment for MM. Should be interesting.
albert999
December 02, 2018 at 06:40 pm
Hire Joe Lombardi
Cartwright
December 02, 2018 at 07:45 pm
That's not as ridicilous as it sounds...https://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/coaches-roster/joe-lombardi
after reading his bio, didn't realize Lombardi's been the QB coach of Drew Brees for many years and an OC for the Lions. He's worth an interview.
albert999
December 02, 2018 at 08:26 pm
yes he is for sure
Rak43
December 02, 2018 at 09:34 pm
Would probably rather have Pete Carmichael from N.O. Check his bio, he's been the OC for 10 years now, calls their plays, and has several NFL record setting offensive distinctions to his name including most yds in a season with 7497 or 474 yds a game. He's been calling plays for them since 2012. But Lombardi could also be a good choice, glad I don't have to make that decision. Who knows they could hire Carmichael and he could bring Lombardi as OC.
Tundraboy
December 02, 2018 at 11:38 pm
Just reading this brought a smile to my face. Nice to be able consider the possiblties. Going to be interesting around here.
Bure9620
December 03, 2018 at 05:05 am
Payton calls plays for NO
Rak43
December 03, 2018 at 06:01 am
Nope, Carmichael calls the plays and has been fpr a while. First started when Payton broke his leg on sideline[ 2011 or 2012, I think] and went on for the rest of the year. Payton resumed play calling until 2015 when Carmichael took over those duties again.
UncleChubb
December 03, 2018 at 09:35 pm
https://twitter.com/saints/status/904875610949902336?s=21
Rak43
December 05, 2018 at 02:16 am
That just shows Payton calling a play with Brees. I never said Payton never called plays for the Saints.
Rak43
December 05, 2018 at 02:16 am
https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/01/new_orleans_saints_play-ca...
and also...….
https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/10/saints_offense_ranked_2nd_...
First link to article as Carmichael takes over play calling for injured Sean Payton [broken leg as I stated]
Second link is article of Carmichael retaking over play calling duties from Payton in 2016 [as I also stated] and had the offense ranked #2 overall
IshpemingPackAttack
December 02, 2018 at 06:41 pm
Very Interesting......I believe that Cleveland is in his future.
fthisJack
December 02, 2018 at 06:42 pm
YEEEEEEHAAAAAA!
IshpemingPackAttack
December 02, 2018 at 06:42 pm
Very Interesting......I believe that Cleveland is in his future.
Bedrock
December 02, 2018 at 06:42 pm
Mike McCarthy was a very good coach.
In Green Bay, the standard is greatness.
Tundraboy
December 02, 2018 at 08:37 pm
Well said.
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:33 pm
Sounds good, but few bettered MM’s record.
Tundraboy
December 02, 2018 at 11:29 pm
Dislike.? Guess someone has a problem with always pursuing greatness.
JonathanSpader
December 03, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Define greatness, winning a superbowl check, having one of the highest winning records of alltime check, multiple playoff appearances and NFC North championships check. MM was a great coach the problem is the word WAS. He didn't keep up with the times and should have been let go back in 2015 but what's done is done.
albert999
December 02, 2018 at 06:42 pm
Hire Joe Lombardi
Phillthy
December 02, 2018 at 06:47 pm
Yes! At the very least hire for OC and groom until the day we have another Lombardi at coach
EdsLaces
December 02, 2018 at 06:45 pm
Sh#t just got real.
albert999
December 02, 2018 at 06:48 pm
MM fired
Happy Birthday AR
Bert
December 02, 2018 at 07:41 pm
I hope ARs mediocre play isn't totally the result of MM. A total turnaround by AR in the last 4 games would raise many questions including "did AR tank in order to get rid of MM?" I think the problems go deeper than just MM. AR just hasn't played very well and the overall talent just isn't there.
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:39 pm
If AR plays equally as averagely for the rest of the season expect a fraught off season.
If Rodgers rift is hype, it is unfortunate, if not he will likely get what he asked for: Rodgers is now likely to be scrutinized even more closely and critically as a player and for his impact on the organization.
At least it gives us something to watch develop as this season expires.
fthisJack
December 02, 2018 at 06:48 pm
this should give them a headstart on other teams firing coaches at the end of the year!
Wenis
December 02, 2018 at 06:49 pm
The coach that was completely beyond reproach has been let go 5 years too late. Packers managed to squander Rodgers prime years away.
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 06:50 pm
Even I--an unbeliever in midseason coaching changes--walked away from this game today thinking that any time was a good time.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 06:57 pm
For a good time call
Jenny 867-5309
(Word on the street is she has all kinds of offensive ideas.)
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:08 pm
She's who I'd turn to...
stockholder
December 02, 2018 at 07:17 pm
Ball will finish what Murphy starts.
Bure9620
December 02, 2018 at 07:04 pm
I'm impressed by Murphy here he deserves credit. He showed some cojonés. Good start to the offseason
zoellner25
December 02, 2018 at 06:56 pm
Can’t wait for the statement from Murphy or Gutey on how this was reached, with Ball, etc.
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:08 pm
If Murphy is smart he'll stand up and take full credit for this decision. The buck stops with him.
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:41 pm
He should be carrying the can out of the building too.
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 07:01 pm
Cojonés
Bure9620
December 02, 2018 at 07:03 pm
Haha, ya auto correct
TKWorldWide
December 02, 2018 at 07:12 pm
Bango!
Also, around here we enjoy “adventures in voice to text”.
zoellner25
December 02, 2018 at 06:54 pm
I already see a bunch of idiot Browns, Jets, dolphins etc fans wanting MM. good luck window lickers. Have you seen his offense the last few years?
THIS. HAD. TO. BE. DONE.
Lare
December 02, 2018 at 06:56 pm
Can't agree with people celebrating someone losing their job.
McCarthy brought a lot of success to Green Bay. Regardless how it ended, IMO we should thank him for what he did for the Packers.
Tundraboy
December 02, 2018 at 08:42 pm
I once felt that way, but the last three years and all the embarrassing moments have left too bad a taste in my mouth.
Coldworld
December 02, 2018 at 09:47 pm
I know what you mean, I felt them too. I just put a lot of the blame on the front office and it’s roster management.
This was necessary but we should remember that MM will be remembered positively by history when so many of his predecessors are not. Coaches of his caliber back to back is almost as rare an occurrence as the Favre/Rodgers succession.
I hope we choose wisely.
Guam
December 02, 2018 at 09:56 pm
Agreed. He won a SB and lots of playoff games with the Packers. Sad end for a proud man. Hopefully he has success elsewhere a la Andy Reid. A necessary move for the Packers, but hard to watch.
badaxed
December 02, 2018 at 10:26 pm
Losing his job?????? He is a friggan millionaire courtesy of the packers. He had two hall of gamers for quarterbacks that made him look like a genius. Look at all the Famous qb's (who are they) beside Favre and Rodgers he has tutored in his famous qb school. Without his two hall of gamers i fought it he would have lasted three seasons with greenbay. My opinion.
Rebecca
December 02, 2018 at 06:57 pm
Wow. Full rebuild kicks into gear. Mr Rodgers better take notice. :)
scullyitsme
December 02, 2018 at 07:00 pm
Hmm, I thought riding the “ hot hand” in Jamal Williams in the second half would save his job. Oops, front office was sick of the best player on the bench also. I’ve defended him at times but there has been no excuse for Aaron jones riding the pine as much as he does. He deserved to be fired just for that.
Lphill
December 02, 2018 at 06:57 pm
Philbin and Zook will be gone too , maybe Van Pelt will return in some capacity next year but hopefully Josh McDaniel will make that decision.
Cubbygold
December 02, 2018 at 07:05 pm
Id love to hear philbins take on all this. Nothing changed from 2017...was he just a puppet? Did he contribute anything?
Bert
December 02, 2018 at 10:05 pm
I just don't trust McDaniel. I'm afraid even he took the Packers HC job he'll bolt back to NE the minute BB retires. No thanks.
Tundraboy
December 02, 2018 at 11:40 pm
Maybe Belichek bolts to us. Why not?
Wilment
December 02, 2018 at 06:59 pm
Shocked they fired him mid season, but I believe that todays debacle was the last straw. Thank you coach for your work ethic and bringing another championship to Green bay.
PatrickHelms
December 02, 2018 at 07:02 pm
awesome, he finally joins the woes of Favre, Woodson, Sitton Jordy, etc, etc........TT next!!!
Cubbygold
December 02, 2018 at 07:03 pm
Maybe this will be Rodgers galvanizing moment. Not for this year, but his career. He's achieved greatness through his talent, now he needs to recognize that his game has to change and he needs to play as a teammate. Will he listen to a new coach? Will he allow a scheme that doesn't center on his ability to play on a MVP level?
I'd love to get the next McVay, shannahan or nagy... I'm just not sure whether 12 would allow them to teach him. Hopefully he's less egotistic than I believe he is, and is willing to try a new approach.
dobber
December 02, 2018 at 07:14 pm
I'm just as concerned that this will make #12 truly unreachable.
By all accounts, he was in a spat with the coach, and he won.
calabasa
December 02, 2018 at 07:22 pm
Best birthday present ever
badaxed
December 02, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Good luck on that one! Rodgers is a diva. I see him being traded. I doubt he wants to go through rebuilding unless he is the player/head coach/general manager, so he could make all the decisions. Mmmmmm, maybee he could. He is pretty smart.
Since'61
December 02, 2018 at 07:07 pm
Mike you did a nice job in Green Bay for the better part of 13 seasons, but it just wasn't working any longer.
We've had more good days than bad during MMs tenure and I appreciate his efforts on the Packers behalf. It just hasn't been working for the last 2 seasons.
During many seasons MM overcame thin rosters and plagues of injuries. More recently with the roster decimated by years of poor drafts and injuries again Aaron Rodgers was no longer able to bail out MM and the team. Time for a change. The house cleaning has begun.
Farewell MM. I wish you and your family health, happiness and success in all your future endeavors.
For the Packers I wish for another Head Coach who can bring us 8 more consecutive playoff seasons and hopefully another SB or 2 or more.
Thanks, Since '61
Roadrunner23
December 02, 2018 at 09:10 pm
I agree, since 61, McCarthy's time was up and we all new it. We should consider ourselves lucky as fans to have had such a fine and upstanding man as Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers. He deserves our respect.
Since'61
December 02, 2018 at 10:54 pm
MM was proud to be a part of the Packers history and tradition. He brought integrity, resilience and concern for his players to his role as HC.
Like all good things his time in GB had to end at some point. I hope that Gute does just as well or better with his choice for our next HC. Time will tell. Thanks, Since '61
Cwilly
December 02, 2018 at 07:06 pm
Finally a gm with some power and not scared to do something. I had ifs about management but after today this team is going in right direction even if this year is over. Now the new coach needs to reighn arod in.
flackcatcher
December 02, 2018 at 07:10 pm
Well said '61. Well said....
Since'61
December 02, 2018 at 07:55 pm
Thanks Flak. Since '61
jhalwas611.com
December 02, 2018 at 07:13 pm
Surprised at the timing but not the at the actual dismissal. I can't help but wonder if the timing is an attempt by Murphy to save his job. Now it's up to Rodgers to prove that the demise of the team isn't all his doing. He keeps saying , we need to play better. Now this group can see the outcome of their actions.
calabasa
December 02, 2018 at 07:24 pm
OK- you’re the second to say Murphy’s job is in doubt. Where are you getting this?
GeorgiaCheesehead
December 02, 2018 at 07:14 pm
MM is NOT a good HC never has been. He has been surviving because of AR and a weak front office that should have fired him after the Seattle NFC championship debacle. Now that AR is not carrying the team he has been exposed to the point that everyone sees it now. And frankly it’s disgusting that so many are calling for AR to be traded... did you see the offense when they got creative on one of the last drives late in the game?? I think the talent is there to have a much better offense than what we have been seeing mostly due to MM play calling/offensive scheme.
It is a new day in GB. Get gid of TT russ ball and the other MM. go Gutekunst!!
[email protected]
December 02, 2018 at 08:00 pm
Georgia totally correct !!! You have said what a lot of Packerfanr fans have been to faithful to admit .
Tundraboy
December 02, 2018 at 08:49 pm
"did you see the offense when they got creative on one of the last drives late in the game?? "
Or the first 16 minutes of the MN game.
holmesmd
December 02, 2018 at 10:43 pm
You don’t know what you’re talking about.
Archie
December 03, 2018 at 09:32 am
First mistake TT made was his hist first decision - to hire MM instead of Sean Payton. One was an offensive genius and one was not.
MytQ
December 03, 2018 at 10:34 am
And Sean Payton still has only one SB to his name with Drew Brees.
packerfan9507
February 13, 2019 at 01:08 am
Go Pack
stockholder
December 02, 2018 at 07:46 pm
Looking Back: Mike McCarthy should never have signed the contract in 2014. He should have said No. Letting Free Agents go was not his idea. He hated it. People left, and nobody would have blamed him. MM did his job with class. Dealing with such negative press could have gotten to anyone. Signing a 1 year contract was his biggest mistake.
ollie418
December 02, 2018 at 07:18 pm
Jim Harbaugh please!
Red Foreman
December 02, 2018 at 07:45 pm
God, please No! We just fired stubborn and arrogant. Why do it again?
Rak43
December 02, 2018 at 09:45 pm
OMG, could you imagine Harbaugh and his ego even being able to fit in the same locker room with Rodgers and his ego? Talk about tension, yeesh.
calabasa
December 02, 2018 at 07:22 pm
I’ve been pulling for this for the last 5 years, but doing it in-season leaves a bad taste in my mouth, considering he’s one of the team’s top 5 coaches of all time.
I assume they want to see what happens with the same players and Philbin at the helm. Should be interesting. I think we’ll run the table.
Thanks, Mike. Best of luck in the future!
I bleed green more
December 02, 2018 at 07:23 pm
I wonder what Aaron really thinks?