Packers: Brian Gutekunst hired as general manager, per report
The Green Bay Packers have found their general manager. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Brian Gutekunst has been hired.
The wait is over.
There will be no John Schneider homecoming, but Packers president Mark Murphy looks to have made a good call by hiring Gutekunst.
Despite various reports that Russ Ball was the frontrunner, Gutekunst has emerged as the chosen one to replace Ted Thompson.
The #Packers are hiring Brian Gutekunst as their GM. Finalizing a deal now, per @TomPelissero and me.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2018
One note on the #Packers GM search: They looked outside, including seeking an interview with #Ravens exec Eric DeCosta, who turned down an interview last night. Gutekunst ascends up the latter, while Russ Ball continues in his current role.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2018
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gutekunst has been given a five-year deal.
One has to wonder what this means for Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is under contract through the 2019 season, but Gutekunst may hand him another extension. On the flip side, the new GM may look to hire his own head coach in the coming years.
What does this also mean for Eliot Wolf?
Wolf has long been circled as one of the top candidates to eventually replace Thompson. He’s had his share of interest from around the league. Don’t be surprised if he is announced as the GM of another team in the next 12 months.
On paper, Gutekunst is a smart choice.
He is entering his 20th year in Green Bay, and was sought after around the league.
According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Gutekunst was scheduled to interview for the Texans’ GM vacancy. Last year he was a candidate for the 49ers’ opening, but chose to withdraw and stay in Green Bay.
There were rumors Gutekunst would split roles with executive Russ Ball, but that is not the case, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.
Also, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst gets full control over Green Bay's roster, I'm told. Will report to president Mark Murphy. It's his job. Not split up.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 7, 2018
And that is absolutely the right call. Despite Ball’s expertise on the financial side, Mark Murphy was right to go all-in on one candidate and give them full control.
His decision was Gutekunst. We’ll soon find out if it was a good hire.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Let the questions about free agency begin.