Packers: Closer look at in-house candidates for general manager job
A closer look at the Green Bay Packers’ in-house candidates to replace Ted Thompson as general manager.
On Monday the Packers announced that general manager Ted Thompson would be stepping down from his current position and transitioning to another role in the front office.
Thompson became the Packers’ GM in 2005, accumulated an overall record of 125-82-1 and was named NFL Executive of the Year twice (2007, 2011).
This year Green Bay finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Thompson is credited for finding several key players, which helped lead the team to nine playoff appearances and one Super Bowl victory.
However, Thompson’s philosophy may have become stale. He was notorious for drafting and developing. But, he hasn’t drafted nearly as well of late as he had in the past.
According to team president Mark Murphy, Thompson will transition to a role as senior advisor to football operations.
"“I want to thank Ted for his tireless efforts as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers for these past 13 seasons,” Murphy said.“Under his guidance, the Packers enjoyed a remarkable run of success, one that included our 13th world championship, four NFC Championship appearances and eight consecutive postseason berths.”"
There are a three in-house candidates who will be strongly considered for the GM position: Russ Ball, Eliot Wolf and Brian Gutekunst.
Russ Ball
Ball is currently the Vice President of Football Administrations/Player Finance. This was his 29th season in the NFL, his 10th with the Packers.
Prior to Green Bay he had spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs.
He started in Kansas City, working his way up to become an administrative assistant to head coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Although Ball lacks the scouting background, Murphy explained to the media on Tuesday that this isn’t a prerequisite for the position.
Murphy says new #Packers GM "not necessarily" requires football scouting background, willing to look at others. Which opens the door for Russ Ball's candidacy.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 2, 2018
Eliot Wolf
Wolf just completed his 14th season with the Packers. He was hired in 2004 by Mike Sherman.
He currently serves as the Director-Football Operations and could be following his father, Ron Wolf’s, footsteps. Ron was the GM of the Packers from 1991-2001, was a three-time Super Bowl champion and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Elliot, unlike Ball has an extensive background in scouting and has been considered for other GM positions throughout the league.
It is clear the Packers think highly of Elliot, as he continues to rise in rank in the front office throughout the last several years.
Brian Gutekunst
Gutekunst will be entering his 20th year next season with the Packers.
He was promoted to Director of Player Personnel in 2016. Similar to Wolf, he has a long resume of scouting to his name, spending his first 13 season as a college scout for the Packers.
In addition, he has also been considered for other GM position in the NFL, the latest being the Houston Texans.
Aaron Nagler, of Packernews.com noted that Gutekunst is a strong candidate for the position in Green Bay.
One thing to remember: Brian Gutekunst was reportedly the favorite for the 49ers GM job before he withdrew his name from consideration. He's a stronger candidate in Green Bay than some may think.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) January 2, 2018
Alonzo Highsmith was also considered for the job, but according to reports he will be joining GM John Dorsey’s staff with the Cleveland Browns.
The Packers opening is extremely intriguing for internal candidates and outsiders. Being able to takeover a team with a franchise quarterback like Aaron Rodgers isn’t typical.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Regardless, this move gives the Packers a great opportunity to change their philosophy and get back on track.