Ted Thompson no longer GM

[PackerDNA]

With the surprising moves this week, there's a golden opportunity to bring on positive change. There's also ample opportunity to screw it all up.
I just don't see the Ball move favoring where our team is at right now.[/QUOTE]

Agree. Just read an article on Ball being the favorite, and expected to get the job. Lots of speculation in it, but if true, IMO, it would be a mistake and a lost opportunity.

 

[HardRightEdge]

It's a difference of 5 years, Gutekunst is one of two wunderkinds. Perhaps he seems a bit more grounded?

It's pretty hard knowing who is the wonderkind and who is not without knowing who was pounding the table on which draft picks.

 

[ThePerfectBeard]

It's pretty hard knowing who is the wonderkind and who is not without knowing who was pounding the table on which draft picks.

Right. I want the guy that was pissed that we took Vince Biegel over Carl Lawson in the 4th.

 

[HardRightEdge]

Right. I want the guy that was pissed that we took Vince Biegel over Carl Lawson in the 4th.

Or conversely, the guy who was pissed off that his table pounding choice was passed over. Judging from Highsmith's parting comments he believes he was that guy.

 

[Bagadeez04]

I think Murphy is just voicing the things you're supposed to say in this situation, from a PR perspective . All in all he's saying that he's going to explore all avenues, not rule anything out. That's what bringing in a search firm is IMO, it's him saying we brought in an outside opinion so we weren't overly biased by our own experiences in Green Bay.

I wouldn't expect him to say anything else. Now if he chooses Ball I will be very disappointed, although it seems there are many who think he's the right guy for the job.

 

[longtimefan]

A few have mentioned Ball..

I been hearing the same as of right now..

 

[Mike McCarthy]

Any idea what exactly is going on with TT, did he have a stroke or something? Really appears to have went downhill fast.

 

[longtimefan]

Ok...can we stop the dude argument?

Thanks

 

[weeds]

I'd like to point out the movie that good ole Jeff is from turns 36 years old this year. Language changes over time. I suggestion you accept that it doesn't mean the same thing anymore.

Thanks. I'll consider your advice.

 

[weeds]

Ok...can we stop the dude argument?

Thanks

Not a problem. Sorry.

 

[OldSchool101]

Right. I want the guy that was pissed that we took Vince Biegel over Carl Lawson in the 4th.

We had quite a few tough breaks (literally) that included significant injuries to both our 3rd rounder (Montravious) and 1st pick of the 4th round (Biegel). We traded back to get Biegel as a bonus pick and I believe there is a realistic chance at least one of these 2 will rise to the occasion over the course of the next couple years.

 

[longtimefan]

We had quite a few tough breaks (literally) that included significant injuries to both our 3rd rounder (Montravious) and 1st pick of the 4th round (Biegel). We traded back to get Biegel as a bonus pick and I believe there is a realistic chance at least one of these 2 will rise to the occasion over the course of the next couple years.

Vince

 

[ls1bob]

I read Bennett was let go and Van Pelt didn’t get a new contract. MM is sure letting people go as if he knows he is coming back with the new GM,whomever that may be.

 

[weeds]

Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel published an article saying it was hard to find anyone who didn't think Ball was going to get it.

I'm going to say that MY preference would be for a personnel guy - like the Ron Wolf -Thompson model. Not sure how I'd feel about a paper pusher in that role. I also think that the current personnel guys would fly.

 

[ls1bob]

Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel published an article saying it was hard to find anyone who didn't think Ball was going to get it.

I'm going to say that MY preference would be for a personnel guy - like the Ron Wolf -Thompson model. Not sure how I'd feel about a paper pusher in that role. I also think that the current personnel guys would fly.

Highsmith did say he wouldn’t be the last guy to leave. Makes you think something is rotten in Denmark. I agree with you weeds, I do not want a paper pusher to be the next GM either.

 

[weeds]

I never forgave my guy, Ron Wolf, for pushing Mike Sherman in a dual role on his way out the door.

...and I very much admire Ron Wolf. I bought his book for gawd's sake...

 

[Firethorn1001]

Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel published an article saying it was hard to find anyone who didn't think Ball was going to get it.

Ball taking advice from Thompson. Gee... great. Murphy is in over his head on the football side. Great with the non-football business side, but football.. ugh.

 

[7thFloorRA]

Ball is a former strength coach. He is probably in the best position to evaluate and recommend the firing of Lovat and his staff. He hasn't done that though as Lovat has been around forever with the same hamstring and groin pulls each year. I don't want business as usual. I fully expect Gutekust and Wolf to follow Highsmith out the door if Ball is hired. I don't like the direction this all seems to be trending towards right now.

 

[easyk83]

It's pretty hard knowing who is the wonderkind and who is not without knowing who was pounding the table on which draft picks.

True, but I was referring more to organizational reputation. For all we know they might even be incompetent.

 

[brandon2348]

Right. I want the guy that was pissed that we took Vince Biegel over Carl Lawson in the 4th.

I remember the shoutbox wasn't to happy about it.

 

[brandon2348]

Russ "Ball Buster" isn't my first choice or even my second or 3rd. I'm starting to have a bad feeling about this.

 

[yooperpackfan]

Anyone find Highsmith’s parting words a little troubling?

I do and I hope that the Packers can put this disruption to bed as soon as possible

 

[rmontro]

Apparently the GM shakeup was primarily due to concerns with Thompson's health. Keeping him in the organization suggests the front office feels his vision is the right vision for this team.

If they just got rid of Thompson for health reasons, that concerns me. The main reason for optimism here is that the Packers recognized that there was a problem. Even the national media has characterized this move as a good one because the GB roster is weak, and has noted how Ted has made mistakes of late. If they want same old same old, that's a concern. Ted's system isn't that bad really, but it definitely needs some tweaking, at the very least.

If they give Ball the GM spot, obviously other people will have more input on the talent evaluation. And we run the risk of losing the guys who are good at evaluation. The whole thing smacks of a good ole boys club with Murphy. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Ted is building the draft board at this very moment.

 

[ls1bob]

I heard Pat Kirwan in NFL Radio yesterday saying if he were a potential GM interviewing for the job one of the first questions he would ask is,”Would I have to answer to Ted or was he there to do as he does best and give scouting input?” I hope with them hiring this independent firm they are truly looking for the best replacement for the team.

 

[brandon2348]

I'd rather take a chance on Scott McCloughan then settling for Ball. I've heard McCloughan is doing well but maybe not enough time. I really hope the guy can continue to turn it around as he has been regarded by many as a football genius and more then capable of building a quality NFL roster.