Ding Dong McCarthy is gone

[pbmax]

snip

It's a difficult position for this organization. You have an all-world quarterback who's increasingly injury-prone and seemingly getting more arrogant all the time, some talent though not enough, and an empty head-coaching job in an organization in which the GM does not have the authority to hire or fire the person he's procuring the talent for. I don't know why Murphy doesn't change the structure back, now that MM is gone. I hope he's not keeping it to save face. Like KY, I don't like the structure. Reminds me too much of the old, old days when Harlan was the president but the GM's were parallel to the coaches and the coaches had lots of say over personnel (Bart Starr picking Rich Campbell over Joe Montana despite the pleas of his scouting department).

I fear it's becoming a dysfunctional organization. I hope I am wrong.

Great post Fritz.

But to elaborate on the structure, I am not as worried about it now as I was before the firing. Still not my preference, but now Murphy will be responsible for the whole enchilada if he hires a coach AND hired the GM the year before. If it goes bad, out goes Murphy. Given his comments, I am not expecting a change.

Murphy has said that 17 teams, including the Steelers, have a GM and HC reporting to an owner/President. So its not unworkable. I would prefer the GM in charge, but I don't think Murphy is in the same bad spot the Exec Committee was after Lombardi. Just have to hope he isn't Judge Parins I guess.

[pbmax]

The refrigerator delivery guy was DuJuan Harris' high school teammate and personal trainer.

Interestingly, the refrigerator was stocked by Justin Perillo's dietician. I still look back fondly on all that great beer, cheese, and pasta dishes.

He did look like he ate well.

[pbmax]

Does anyone know if Murphy is overreacting to losing touch of Ted Thompson. Is it possible that he just let Ted pretty much run things only then to discover 'too late' that Ted was losing it? So now he's dedicated to being more involved? Just wondering, because I have no evidence this is the case, but I've seen stuff like this happen in other leadership scenarios. If the new involvement becomes too much, people start looking over their shoulders all the time, expecting to be countermanded. Being more 'in the loop' might hurt the org - (unless of course Gutey likes it and works well with it - that could happen too). Is Lori Nickel still around to get to the bottom of this?

I'd guess that Ted's reputation and accomplishment held Murphy up for a year, maybe two. But I suspect mainly that Murphy was loathe to move unilaterally (fire the GM after a playoff year) so he wanted Ted's agreement to kick himself sideways to a scouting job.

After that, during interviews, he discovered the communication problems that the HC felt he had.

Depending on his experience with Gutekunst and M3 this year, he could change his mind. But I am expecting this to be the new status quo.

[mraynrand]

He did look like he ate well.

Always reminded me of:

[Dirty Sanchez]

PB, I've heard other people on social media and TV talk about a "mid-season" termination. I would argue that it's not mid-season. We're now into the 4th quarter to quote a popular way to look at splitting up the season.

I personally think it makes no difference when it was done, if they were going to do it anyway. If the team let him coach out the string just to keep up appearances and honor his body of work, that is not a good enough reason. It may seem like a shock now, but in time the way he left won't matter.

I heard one take that said it works for both sides. MM gets a head start finding his next gig, which I think he will, and the Packers can have a look at Philbin, as remotely as it seems he would be retained, what if the team really responds to him? It can't be completely discounted, although, again, it seems unlikely. This is also a bit of a reset on player expectations. I'm every player inherently gets that they are playing for their jobs, but in a situation like this, it's even more true. They can also talk to college coaching candidates and ex-NFL coaches now as part of their search, long before the soon to be "hot commodities" will be available to speak with.

The most interesting thing to me is will Rodgers, with Philbin calling plays now, be able to improve what has been lacking in the offense this season? Can you imagine if he looks like the AR we are used to seeing for the last 4 games? It would make me say, hmm, but I like a good conspiracy.

I guess we'll see next week. If we see the same play calling like Rodgers throwing the ball 40 yards downfield on 3rd and 1, then we'll need a new coach that can control him. Otherwise, nothing will change.

[texaspackerbacker]

It makes my blood boil every time I hear idiots and ingrates talk about "controlling Rodgers".

[pbmax]

Murphy and Philbin press conference at 1:45 PM

https://www.packers.com/video/live-video

They have a countdown clock and everything.

[Dirty Sanchez]

It makes my blood boil every time I hear idiots and ingrates talk about "controlling Rodgers".

Or maybe you're the idiot.

[KYPack]

Firstly, Fire Philbin!

And hail Satan everybody.

You guys stop making Tex's blood boil. It really screws up his digestion when you all do that shit.

There really is no "good" way to fire people. Everybody hates it and it's rough to do. But you do it and move ahead, onward and upward & all that shit. When it's a situation like MM was in, it's really the best for both parties. Poor Stubby looked fit to be tied yesterday. He needed somebody to relieve his pain and Murph did the job. Now he can move ahead with his job search.

No, I don't like the org structure as currently configured. I figured that was a temporary thing until they got a new coach. Murph may be in some tall cotton having both guys report to him. It will lead to problems. Murphy has a thing on the GBP site where fans can contact him, bullshit around etc. He mentioned somewhere that he had been getting a lot of static about MM on that site. I wouldn't admit that shit if I was the Murph. Listening to fan boys, espec the rabid Pack fans, can be hazardous to your health.
Well good luck Murph the surf, I hope you've things worked out.

[pbmax]

5. Staying conservative when you need first downs. Spent WAY too many years thinking that the old Tony Dorsett rushing stats for the Cowboys (36-4 when Dorsett runs for 100 yards) was a viable approach inside 8 minutes left in a game with a lead. McCarthy was a one dimensional thinker who thought tempo and more cracks with the ball would lead to higher scoring without thinking about the cost to the Defense or the matter of efficiency. He thought that if successful teams ran late, then running MORE Late with a lead would lead to greater success.

Expanding on #5

Since he never seemed to value efficiency, I don't think he ever thought of analytics as anything other than a chart of good teams box scores. He specifically said something once about knowing what good teams do to be successful, but I never believed he knew WHY it was successful beyond the superficial: keeping the clock ticking is important to shorten the game.

We never found out if Ted kept those analytics guys in the personnel department. But if they are not there or are have limited influence, I worry that the next coach will be similarly self handicapped. Because the media (local and national) heard McCarthy say he was aware of the analytics of his 4th quarter calls but was unable to describe what they told him. He was not questioned in detail about it because they don't understand it. He said the Seattle 4th down call was right by the numbers and no one questioned it. Brian Burke said it was a loss by Win Percentage Added and I haven't seen anyone contradict him.

Later McCarthy basically admitted that he focuses more on his gut and the emotion of the situation (how would my defense feel if I don't show them I trust them by punting?).

[pbmax]

Murphy and Philbin press conference at 1:45 PM

https://www.packers.com/video/live-video

They have a countdown clock and everything.

Murph at 1:45. Philbin the Elder at 2:15

[pbmax]

Gute is with Murphy.

Murphy
Difficult couple of days.

McCarthy very accomplished. Great man, very difficult decision.

Evaluating the season he really felt a change in leadership needed and needed a new voice.

Similar to Reid in Philly

Would have preferred to make change after the season. Key win here or there might have changed things. Perfomance on undaynight indicated the change needed to be made. Mute was involved and agreed that the change needed to be made. Performance last night was unacceptable.

Murphy almost gave it away, saying knowing they were going to make a change made it imperative to act now. Kinda sounded like he knew they were dumping him before this weekend. EDIT: Later with some context, they seem settled on the performance yesterday was bad enough to seal the coach's fate.

Expects Mike to attract offers.

Talked to team about his experience as player getting new coach. Urged them to compete and improve.

Likes Philbin, gives them opportunity to evaluate Philbin (YIKES!)

[pbmax]

Questions

What did you see Sunday:
Gute: certain expectations and standards on field of play have not been met.

Cracks in foundation?
Gute: no, things that needed to be changed weren't getting changed

Who is hiring?
Murphy: I am with Gutekunst and committee will be formed
Will not hire a coach that Gute doesn't want to work with
Gute: trusts the people involved

Refuse to answer who breaks a tie: come to consensus

Did team attempt to repair relationship between player and coach?
Murphy: great run together, but decision not about one player.
Gute: stories about tension are overblown

Extension a good idea last year?
Murphy: no. Rodgers injury meant M3 deserved another shot

[pbmax]

When did discussion begin about evaluating the season?

Murphy: happens each week, all along. We have been behind 8 ball before and come back
But effort on Sunday looked lacking

Is talent good enough?
Gute: team did not meet the expectations we had for out talent?

Rodgers involved?
Murphy: No
Gute: Player doesn't get consulted in search but they always talk about how the team is functioning
Played no role in decision last night.

Who are you considering? Offensive coach?
Murphy; Philbin is candidate, good success :: I missed rest

What is time frame for improvement, how long a leash?
Murphy; Things can turn around quickly. Likes the Gute draft and his picks for next year
Gute: Not about window. wanted to change direction

What about Pettine?
Will not answer

Why not change to GM on top structure yet?
Murphy: We will make decision together, structure less important that relationships
Gute: Job will be attractive regardless of structure

Wilde with direct question: why not use what worked before?
Murphy: don't want to brag, all life been involved in football, hired many many coaches
have a lot to offer as a football person
have great relationship
think it gives Packers best chance to get great coach

Why now?
Murphy: identify candidates, talk to some, head start

Do you have a candidate list?
Gute: yes

How did McCarthy react?
Murphy: professional and first class. knew its part of the profession

Heller with great question: Was decision made but game yesterday dictated timing?
Murphy: no. game was deciding factor.
If they make the FG?
Hypothetical. We did not play well.

[pbmax]

Will Rodgers have ANY contact with coach before hiring?
Murphy: probably not
Gute: putting too much on plate of QB

Rodgers season, do you have theory as to downturn?
Gute: don't agree that he isn't the same player
Team has not performed in all facets
disagree with characterization of Rodgers as down year

Change in player playing time?
Gute: no, do what we need to do to win game

What has last year been like for you Gutekunst? Ted and Mike gone
Gute: this is the way the NFL goes at times. Unpredictable. Want more continuity. We know what we signed up for.

Hiring during season?
Murphy: Think we will definitely wait for end of season.

end