McCarthy's Fate

[mraynrand]

If you look at the Packers coaches, there's a lot of youth there - some internal promotions/some guys doing their job for the first time, the whole defensing TO. So this season is a big transition season. I originally thought it more likely that Murphy/Gute was setting Stubby up for a dismissal, but now, barring a terrible collapse (less than .500) I don't see them ditching Stubby. I think there was recognition that the roster was broken a bit - and still is - and needs more than one year to repair. I might be wrong about 8-7-1 and no playoffs being enough, but I don't see Gute or Poutine wanting to promote Poutine to HC, and it's harder to keep him if you turn over the coach (but not unthinkable). So unless they have some hotshot in mind, Stubby stays. I still think they need to be incredibly lucky to make the playoffs - no more starters injured and starter-level play from some rookies other than J'xander. The quadruple tragedies of the safety position, no pass-rush, a bad right side of the O-line (and even Taylor being marginal!?), and very marginal depth make it tough to survive and win.

[George Cumby]

That's going too far of course, mostly because no one wants to see that genetic re-combination. But still, as much grief as I give Stubby, I think he's a pretty great coach (and not just in girth). We've discussed and have seen some of the draft picks that haven't worked out, or the few who have been let go too early, but even despite all that, Stubby still keeps it together. I probably am among the few who credit him a lot with Rodger's development, so there's that as well. It does help to have a great QB to cover your mistakes, but it also hurts your chances to get higher picks. I guess Stubby will wear out his welcome, and maybe soon, but don't be surprised if it's not so easy to replace him with a competent coach who can manage today's NFL players.

I generally agree. I just think his time has come.