motife
10-20-2007, 08:16 PM
Hunt on for Harlan's replacement
Packers take another shot at decision
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Green Bay - One of the two worst decisions Bob Harlan made in almost two decades leading the Green Bay Packers was hiring John Jones in 1999 and then wasting eight years grooming him to be his successor.
Harlan, however, finally saw the light at the 11th hour and pulled the pin on Jones as president before he would have started causing irreparable damage to the franchise and ruined Harlan's legacy.
Even before his serious heart problems rendered him incapable of a full workload, Jones never measured up.
Jones always was more about image than substance. He talked down to people in the office and community without having the goods to back it up. He lacked the traits generally associated with leadership in a position that demands them.
It was a classic illustration of the Peter Principle at work.
Still, Harlan and the Packers might have made their tragic mistake had it not been for a telephone call last spring from an executive in the National Football League office imploring the club not to send Jones to any more meetings in New York because his energy level and ability to focus had been so compromised by his health issues.
It crystallized for the executive committee that Jones couldn't continue, led to the $3 million settlement in full of the final three years on Jones' contract and brought the 71-year-old Harlan back from the edge of retirement.
Second chances don't come around that often in life. But the men and women on the Packers' 45-member board of directors have received one, and for the welfare of the franchise it's incumbent upon them this time to get it right.
For the Packers, the last 12 months have been filled with one positive step after another. Better players continue to arrive, and they are being developed. General manager Ted Thompson has made more sound than short-sighted decisions after an awful first year. Mike McCarthy, an unknown commodity when hired, is looking more and more like an effective coach. And there is no end in sight for Brett Favre.
But nothing, not even how the current squad fares after a 5-1 start, matters more in Green Bay than finding a worthy successor to Harlan.
The Packers are about three months into their search for a new president and chief executive officer. Their 11-person search committee, consisting of six executive committee members and five members of the board, has whittled down 50 interested parties to about 12 candidates.
Former Packers coach Mike Holmgren never has been and will not be a candidate.
Sources said that Mike Reinfeldt, who negotiated contracts for Green Bay in the 1990s, would like to be considered for the job. But, in all likelihood, Reinfeldt won't be a factor because Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams can't be forced and has no intention of releasing him from his long-term contract as executive vice president and general manager.
Based on sources from across the NFL, many with knowledge of the selection process, the Journal Sentinel has identified eight men as among those still under consideration.
Two work for the Packers. They are:
ANDREW BRANDT
Vice president of player finance and general counsel … Age 47 … Joined the Packers in February 1999, six days after Jones was hired. Has managed the salary cap and negotiated almost every player contract during his tenure. Quickly gained the trust of GM Ron Wolf, who had little regard for Jones' working knowledge of the cap … Born and raised in Washington, D.C., played tennis at Stanford and graduated from Georgetown Law School … Worked as a player agent for most of the 1990s, although in 1992 he served as GM for the Barcelona Dragons of the World League.
JASON WIED
Vice president of administration and corporate counsel … Age 35 … Joined the Packers as staff counsel in September 2000; promoted to his present post in April. Supervises numerous departments, negotiates coaching and some front-office contracts and has attended almost every NFL meeting since 2001 … Born and raised in Green Bay, played football at Green Bay Notre Dame High School, received undergraduate degree at Wisconsin and law degree from Marquette … His wife, Missy, is the daughter of Jerry Parins', the Packers' long-time security chief.
Another candidate is from Wisconsin. He is:
JOE SWEENEY
Lives in Milwaukee … Age 49 … Managing director of Corporate Financial Advisors, a Milwaukee-based investment banking firm … Received undergraduate degree from Saint Mary's University (Minn.) and master's degree in business from Notre Dame … After career in manufacturing, he served as president of the Wisconsin Sports Authority from 1991-'95 … Later, he founded a sports management and marketing firm. One of his first clients was Favre.
Five other known candidates either have worked or currently work for NFL teams. They are:
JEFF DIAMOND
Chairman and chief executive officer of The Ingram Group, a consulting and public relations firm in Nashville, Tenn., that specializes in sports ventures. Hosts a daily radio sports-talk show as well as pre- and post-game shows about the Titans … Age 54 … Born and raised in St. Louis Park, Minn., and received undergraduate degree from Minnesota, where he played soccer … Spent 23 years with the Minnesota Vikings, starting in PR and finishing as senior vice president of football operations … Lost his job after power struggle with Dennis Green in 1999 … Served as Titans president and chief operating officer from July 1999 until his departure in January 2004 … Named NFL executive of the year for '98.
DENNIS MANNION
Senior vice president of business ventures for the Baltimore Ravens … Age 48 … Born in Tarrytown, N.Y., graduated from high school in Pittsburgh and graduated magna cum laude from University of Massachusetts … Since '99, he has overseen all the Ravens' business initiatives … Also has experience in MLB, the NBA and the NHL … Worked in marketing for Philadelphia Phillies from 1982-'97, then was responsible for business operations for Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets for three years.
JACK MULA
General counsel in the player personnel department for the New England Patriots … Age, approximately 50 … Grew up in Waltham, Mass., received undergraduate degree from UMass and law degree from New England School of Law … Played football in college but didn't letter … Has been the Patriots' primary contract negotiator since '99 … Had modest beginnings in Waltham as a sport agent and later joined Bob Woolf and Associates in Boston. Has represented such clients as Lions President Matt Millen, former Saints coach Jim Haslett, Doug Flutie, Priest Holmes and Sean Jones.
JIM STEEG
Executive vice president and chief operating officer for the San Diego Chargers … Age 56 … Born in Boston but grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind. … Received undergraduate degree from Miami (Ohio) and master's in business administration from Wake Forest … Joined the Chargers in November 2004; point man for so-far-unsuccessful drive to build a new stadium. Oversees all business operations … Worked for the NFL office from 1979-'04. Known primarily as the man in charge of all aspects of the Super Bowl for 26 years, in addition to work with the Pro Bowl, the NFL draft and the playoffs … First job was as business manager/controller for the Miami Dolphins from 1975-'78.
BRYAN WIEDMEIER
President and chief operating officer for the Miami Dolphins … Age 48 … Raised in Montana, played football and earned undergraduate degree from Carroll (Mont.) College and received law degree from University of Miami … Joined Dolphins in 1981 as traveling secretary, later negotiated contracts and now oversees entire football operation.
Clearly, the Packers haven't placed a high priority on finding someone who played or coached the game, or has experience in scouting. All eight of the candidates have spent most of their careers in finances, and four are lawyers.
Much of the committee's legwork was done by Spencer Stuart, a head-hunting organization led by former NFL assistant coach Jed Hughes. The search firm sorted through names and offered guidance to the search committee. Between Spencer Stuart and the search committee, all the candidates already have been talked to and screened.
Not long ago, club executives Peter Platten and John Underwood flew to New York and presented the team's list of names to Commissioner Roger Goodell. Platten, the corporation secretary, is head of the search committee. Underwood, the retired treasurer, and Harlan are serving as consultants to the committee.
Goodell is keeping close tabs on the search and, according to one source, wants to be able to sign off on the selection.
In 1999, Harlan responded to a recommendation from the NFL office and hired Jones from the NFL Management Council. Having been burned once, it is highly unlikely that the Packers would consider anyone from the league office this time.
Within a month or so, the 10 or 12 finalists will be summoned to Green Bay for interviews with the search committee. In the meantime, a sub-committee consisting of Platten, executive-committee members John Bergstrom and Carl Kuehne, and board member Robert Gallagher has been formed to evaluate candidates before their arrival.
Ultimately, a decision will be rendered, but there's little doubt that the opinions of the executive committee will matter most.
Platten and Edward Martin hail from Green Bay. Kuehne is from Seymour; Bergstrom is from Neenah. Another Green Bay native is vice president John Fabry, who is having health problems and isn't expected to have significant input. Treasurer Larry Weyers is the only member of the executive committee from out-of-state.
As there was in 1989 when Harlan, an Iowa native, was elected president, intense politicking is under way in the NFL's smallest city. Sources say there is strong sentiment to go with a "Green Bay guy" this time, and Wied is the only one fitting that description.
Tom Olejniczak, a Green Bay attorney and son of former team president Dominic Olejniczak, sought the job in the 1980s and appears to be interested again. According to sources, some people on behalf of Olejniczak are working behind the scenes trying to get him an interview.
Despite his age, Wied probably has more support within the building than any other candidate. He is intimately involved in all phases of the operation, is regarded as mature beyond his years and strikes many as smart, unassuming and strong.
Giving the same address at the stockholders meeting in July that Jones gave for several years, Wied came across as far more genuine and in touch with the team's fan base. There didn't seem to be a phony bone in his body on that sweltering morning at Lambeau Field.
Brandt might be as talented in his ability to massage the salary cap as anyone in the league. For almost all of his tenure the Packers have been free of financial constraints, which is due in part to Brandt's ingenuity and intellect.
If the Packers go on to win the division and make a playoff run, it stands to reason that Wied's and Brandt's chances only would increase. Success is hard-won in the NFL, and when it arrives few elect to fix something that isn't broken.
Having come so close to disaster with Jones, a feeling also exists within the organization that what the Packers are doing works. The franchise is raking in $20 to $25 million in profit each year and the team is back as a contender. Why go outside for a president, some employees seem to be saying, when the Packers already have the better idea.
In a press briefing last month in Seattle, Holmgren didn't rule out having interest in the job. But, really, almost no one would. The job is too good.
Nevertheless, friends of Holmgren say they'd be shocked if he pursued it. It's also getting late in the game, and nothing has happened with him so far.
Holmgren is 59, has been a head coach for 16 straight seasons, already is a multi-millionaire and probably is getting ready to step away from the rat race. Few can be more social and charming than Holmgren, and he might have the business sense to manage what is an enormous financial endeavor.
But the job, at least the way it was structured by Harlan, included undying attention to many mundane tasks. That just isn't Holmgren. He has a home in Arizona as well as one in Seattle. Even if the Packers were interested in Holmgren, and there is absolutely no evidence that they are, his future isn't in the Midwest.
Reinfeldt, a native of Baraboo, is the right age (54) and is married to a woman from Green Bay. He was let down when Harlan didn't anoint him as his eventual successor a decade ago. But Reinfeldt left Seattle for the Titans GM job in February, three months before it all fell apart with Jones, who has now moved to Connecticut.
Even if Adams gave Reinfeldt his blessing to interview, which almost certainly isn't going to happen, a Reinfeldt candidacy shouldn't go anywhere.
Although it's no one's fault, Reinfeldt's best friend and closest confidant happens to be Thompson. Thus, there is no way that Reinfeldt could be without bias in judging Thompson. If Thompson deserved to be fired, Reinfeldt almost would have to disqualify himself, and that in turn would lead to anarchy.
Platten has indicated that at least one of the remaining candidates, and that would include Sweeney, lacks NFL experience. If the Packers seriously consider a high-powered executive from the private sector, they might have to decide if they're willing to pay a salary in the $3 to $4 million range to attract him.
Many of the known NFL candidates probably earn in the $400,000 to $800,000 range. Thus, the Packers easily could get away with paying them in the range of $1.5 million. But given their resources, the Packers shouldn't allow money even to be a factor.
Last week, former Packers quarterbacks coach Steve Mariucci, 51, said he has thought about applying for the job but hasn't done so nor has he been approached. Under contract to the Detroit Lions until January, Mariucci works a few days each week in television and is eager to work full-time in management, coaching or TV.
"It's hard to describe that job," Mariucci said. "There's absolutely no blueprint because it's such a unique position in sports. But that guy better damn well appeal to the fan base. It can't be just a numbers cruncher or an accountant-type guy that has the personality of a geranium. He needs to be a people person. It's such a fan-friendly place, and that can never change."
The Packers are in no rush, which is to their advantage, but they shouldn't be naïve. Just like anything in life, some of these candidates would succeed and some would fail.
As an organization, they have just gone through the trauma of a near miss. Now Platten and his people desperately need a hit.
Packers take another shot at decision
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Green Bay - One of the two worst decisions Bob Harlan made in almost two decades leading the Green Bay Packers was hiring John Jones in 1999 and then wasting eight years grooming him to be his successor.
Harlan, however, finally saw the light at the 11th hour and pulled the pin on Jones as president before he would have started causing irreparable damage to the franchise and ruined Harlan's legacy.
Even before his serious heart problems rendered him incapable of a full workload, Jones never measured up.
Jones always was more about image than substance. He talked down to people in the office and community without having the goods to back it up. He lacked the traits generally associated with leadership in a position that demands them.
It was a classic illustration of the Peter Principle at work.
Still, Harlan and the Packers might have made their tragic mistake had it not been for a telephone call last spring from an executive in the National Football League office imploring the club not to send Jones to any more meetings in New York because his energy level and ability to focus had been so compromised by his health issues.
It crystallized for the executive committee that Jones couldn't continue, led to the $3 million settlement in full of the final three years on Jones' contract and brought the 71-year-old Harlan back from the edge of retirement.
Second chances don't come around that often in life. But the men and women on the Packers' 45-member board of directors have received one, and for the welfare of the franchise it's incumbent upon them this time to get it right.
For the Packers, the last 12 months have been filled with one positive step after another. Better players continue to arrive, and they are being developed. General manager Ted Thompson has made more sound than short-sighted decisions after an awful first year. Mike McCarthy, an unknown commodity when hired, is looking more and more like an effective coach. And there is no end in sight for Brett Favre.
But nothing, not even how the current squad fares after a 5-1 start, matters more in Green Bay than finding a worthy successor to Harlan.
The Packers are about three months into their search for a new president and chief executive officer. Their 11-person search committee, consisting of six executive committee members and five members of the board, has whittled down 50 interested parties to about 12 candidates.
Former Packers coach Mike Holmgren never has been and will not be a candidate.
Sources said that Mike Reinfeldt, who negotiated contracts for Green Bay in the 1990s, would like to be considered for the job. But, in all likelihood, Reinfeldt won't be a factor because Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams can't be forced and has no intention of releasing him from his long-term contract as executive vice president and general manager.
Based on sources from across the NFL, many with knowledge of the selection process, the Journal Sentinel has identified eight men as among those still under consideration.
Two work for the Packers. They are:
ANDREW BRANDT
Vice president of player finance and general counsel … Age 47 … Joined the Packers in February 1999, six days after Jones was hired. Has managed the salary cap and negotiated almost every player contract during his tenure. Quickly gained the trust of GM Ron Wolf, who had little regard for Jones' working knowledge of the cap … Born and raised in Washington, D.C., played tennis at Stanford and graduated from Georgetown Law School … Worked as a player agent for most of the 1990s, although in 1992 he served as GM for the Barcelona Dragons of the World League.
JASON WIED
Vice president of administration and corporate counsel … Age 35 … Joined the Packers as staff counsel in September 2000; promoted to his present post in April. Supervises numerous departments, negotiates coaching and some front-office contracts and has attended almost every NFL meeting since 2001 … Born and raised in Green Bay, played football at Green Bay Notre Dame High School, received undergraduate degree at Wisconsin and law degree from Marquette … His wife, Missy, is the daughter of Jerry Parins', the Packers' long-time security chief.
Another candidate is from Wisconsin. He is:
JOE SWEENEY
Lives in Milwaukee … Age 49 … Managing director of Corporate Financial Advisors, a Milwaukee-based investment banking firm … Received undergraduate degree from Saint Mary's University (Minn.) and master's degree in business from Notre Dame … After career in manufacturing, he served as president of the Wisconsin Sports Authority from 1991-'95 … Later, he founded a sports management and marketing firm. One of his first clients was Favre.
Five other known candidates either have worked or currently work for NFL teams. They are:
JEFF DIAMOND
Chairman and chief executive officer of The Ingram Group, a consulting and public relations firm in Nashville, Tenn., that specializes in sports ventures. Hosts a daily radio sports-talk show as well as pre- and post-game shows about the Titans … Age 54 … Born and raised in St. Louis Park, Minn., and received undergraduate degree from Minnesota, where he played soccer … Spent 23 years with the Minnesota Vikings, starting in PR and finishing as senior vice president of football operations … Lost his job after power struggle with Dennis Green in 1999 … Served as Titans president and chief operating officer from July 1999 until his departure in January 2004 … Named NFL executive of the year for '98.
DENNIS MANNION
Senior vice president of business ventures for the Baltimore Ravens … Age 48 … Born in Tarrytown, N.Y., graduated from high school in Pittsburgh and graduated magna cum laude from University of Massachusetts … Since '99, he has overseen all the Ravens' business initiatives … Also has experience in MLB, the NBA and the NHL … Worked in marketing for Philadelphia Phillies from 1982-'97, then was responsible for business operations for Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets for three years.
JACK MULA
General counsel in the player personnel department for the New England Patriots … Age, approximately 50 … Grew up in Waltham, Mass., received undergraduate degree from UMass and law degree from New England School of Law … Played football in college but didn't letter … Has been the Patriots' primary contract negotiator since '99 … Had modest beginnings in Waltham as a sport agent and later joined Bob Woolf and Associates in Boston. Has represented such clients as Lions President Matt Millen, former Saints coach Jim Haslett, Doug Flutie, Priest Holmes and Sean Jones.
JIM STEEG
Executive vice president and chief operating officer for the San Diego Chargers … Age 56 … Born in Boston but grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind. … Received undergraduate degree from Miami (Ohio) and master's in business administration from Wake Forest … Joined the Chargers in November 2004; point man for so-far-unsuccessful drive to build a new stadium. Oversees all business operations … Worked for the NFL office from 1979-'04. Known primarily as the man in charge of all aspects of the Super Bowl for 26 years, in addition to work with the Pro Bowl, the NFL draft and the playoffs … First job was as business manager/controller for the Miami Dolphins from 1975-'78.
BRYAN WIEDMEIER
President and chief operating officer for the Miami Dolphins … Age 48 … Raised in Montana, played football and earned undergraduate degree from Carroll (Mont.) College and received law degree from University of Miami … Joined Dolphins in 1981 as traveling secretary, later negotiated contracts and now oversees entire football operation.
Clearly, the Packers haven't placed a high priority on finding someone who played or coached the game, or has experience in scouting. All eight of the candidates have spent most of their careers in finances, and four are lawyers.
Much of the committee's legwork was done by Spencer Stuart, a head-hunting organization led by former NFL assistant coach Jed Hughes. The search firm sorted through names and offered guidance to the search committee. Between Spencer Stuart and the search committee, all the candidates already have been talked to and screened.
Not long ago, club executives Peter Platten and John Underwood flew to New York and presented the team's list of names to Commissioner Roger Goodell. Platten, the corporation secretary, is head of the search committee. Underwood, the retired treasurer, and Harlan are serving as consultants to the committee.
Goodell is keeping close tabs on the search and, according to one source, wants to be able to sign off on the selection.
In 1999, Harlan responded to a recommendation from the NFL office and hired Jones from the NFL Management Council. Having been burned once, it is highly unlikely that the Packers would consider anyone from the league office this time.
Within a month or so, the 10 or 12 finalists will be summoned to Green Bay for interviews with the search committee. In the meantime, a sub-committee consisting of Platten, executive-committee members John Bergstrom and Carl Kuehne, and board member Robert Gallagher has been formed to evaluate candidates before their arrival.
Ultimately, a decision will be rendered, but there's little doubt that the opinions of the executive committee will matter most.
Platten and Edward Martin hail from Green Bay. Kuehne is from Seymour; Bergstrom is from Neenah. Another Green Bay native is vice president John Fabry, who is having health problems and isn't expected to have significant input. Treasurer Larry Weyers is the only member of the executive committee from out-of-state.
As there was in 1989 when Harlan, an Iowa native, was elected president, intense politicking is under way in the NFL's smallest city. Sources say there is strong sentiment to go with a "Green Bay guy" this time, and Wied is the only one fitting that description.
Tom Olejniczak, a Green Bay attorney and son of former team president Dominic Olejniczak, sought the job in the 1980s and appears to be interested again. According to sources, some people on behalf of Olejniczak are working behind the scenes trying to get him an interview.
Despite his age, Wied probably has more support within the building than any other candidate. He is intimately involved in all phases of the operation, is regarded as mature beyond his years and strikes many as smart, unassuming and strong.
Giving the same address at the stockholders meeting in July that Jones gave for several years, Wied came across as far more genuine and in touch with the team's fan base. There didn't seem to be a phony bone in his body on that sweltering morning at Lambeau Field.
Brandt might be as talented in his ability to massage the salary cap as anyone in the league. For almost all of his tenure the Packers have been free of financial constraints, which is due in part to Brandt's ingenuity and intellect.
If the Packers go on to win the division and make a playoff run, it stands to reason that Wied's and Brandt's chances only would increase. Success is hard-won in the NFL, and when it arrives few elect to fix something that isn't broken.
Having come so close to disaster with Jones, a feeling also exists within the organization that what the Packers are doing works. The franchise is raking in $20 to $25 million in profit each year and the team is back as a contender. Why go outside for a president, some employees seem to be saying, when the Packers already have the better idea.
In a press briefing last month in Seattle, Holmgren didn't rule out having interest in the job. But, really, almost no one would. The job is too good.
Nevertheless, friends of Holmgren say they'd be shocked if he pursued it. It's also getting late in the game, and nothing has happened with him so far.
Holmgren is 59, has been a head coach for 16 straight seasons, already is a multi-millionaire and probably is getting ready to step away from the rat race. Few can be more social and charming than Holmgren, and he might have the business sense to manage what is an enormous financial endeavor.
But the job, at least the way it was structured by Harlan, included undying attention to many mundane tasks. That just isn't Holmgren. He has a home in Arizona as well as one in Seattle. Even if the Packers were interested in Holmgren, and there is absolutely no evidence that they are, his future isn't in the Midwest.
Reinfeldt, a native of Baraboo, is the right age (54) and is married to a woman from Green Bay. He was let down when Harlan didn't anoint him as his eventual successor a decade ago. But Reinfeldt left Seattle for the Titans GM job in February, three months before it all fell apart with Jones, who has now moved to Connecticut.
Even if Adams gave Reinfeldt his blessing to interview, which almost certainly isn't going to happen, a Reinfeldt candidacy shouldn't go anywhere.
Although it's no one's fault, Reinfeldt's best friend and closest confidant happens to be Thompson. Thus, there is no way that Reinfeldt could be without bias in judging Thompson. If Thompson deserved to be fired, Reinfeldt almost would have to disqualify himself, and that in turn would lead to anarchy.
Platten has indicated that at least one of the remaining candidates, and that would include Sweeney, lacks NFL experience. If the Packers seriously consider a high-powered executive from the private sector, they might have to decide if they're willing to pay a salary in the $3 to $4 million range to attract him.
Many of the known NFL candidates probably earn in the $400,000 to $800,000 range. Thus, the Packers easily could get away with paying them in the range of $1.5 million. But given their resources, the Packers shouldn't allow money even to be a factor.
Last week, former Packers quarterbacks coach Steve Mariucci, 51, said he has thought about applying for the job but hasn't done so nor has he been approached. Under contract to the Detroit Lions until January, Mariucci works a few days each week in television and is eager to work full-time in management, coaching or TV.
"It's hard to describe that job," Mariucci said. "There's absolutely no blueprint because it's such a unique position in sports. But that guy better damn well appeal to the fan base. It can't be just a numbers cruncher or an accountant-type guy that has the personality of a geranium. He needs to be a people person. It's such a fan-friendly place, and that can never change."
The Packers are in no rush, which is to their advantage, but they shouldn't be naïve. Just like anything in life, some of these candidates would succeed and some would fail.
As an organization, they have just gone through the trauma of a near miss. Now Platten and his people desperately need a hit.