Michael Cohen @Michael_Cohen13

#Packers have officially named Brian Gutekunst their new GM. Russ Ball was promoted to vice president/director of football operations. No mention of Eliot Wolf one way or another in the press release. His future will have to be decided by Murphy/Gutekunst/Ball in the near future.

Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein
In a departure from previous practice, #Packers will have Gutekunst, McCarthy and Ball all report to president Mark Murphy. It means Gutekunst has control over the roster but not head coach. There are 7 or 8 teams who do it that way.

“The process of identifying our next general manager gave us the opportunity to analyze our entire football operation,” said Murphy. “While we have enjoyed a lot of success, we need to improve.” Cont...

cont... “While I understand this is a departure from the Packers’ current structure, it will serve to increase the breadth and frequency of communication and collaboration. Ultimately, it will make the Packers better.”

This means Gutekunst can recommend a coaching change to Murphy but he can’t execute it without Murphy’s approval. Same thing with Ball, who has been promoted to Executive VP of football operations.

Hinted at in this move by Murphy is that “communication and collaboration” was waning under Thompson, who oversaw everything on the football side. Now Murphy oversees it all. He obviously didn’t like everything he saw in the football operation, especially sides working together.

HE NEEDED TO FIRE MORE PEOPLE. INSTEAD, HE PROMOTED THEM ALL.