Thompson Keeping His Lieutenants Close For Now
Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has several tidbits on the Packers front office.
By PackerAaron
Lots to chew on in McGinn's latest on Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers front office, the most news-worthy of which is probably the following:
According to a source familiar with the process, the Lions interviewed just three people: Sheldon White, their interim GM; Kevin Abrams, the Giants' assistant GM; and Bob Quinn, the Patriots' director of pro scouting.
As a Lions' personnel man for 19 years, White had no chance to stay with a franchise that was all about change. Abrams, who had been hired by Accorsi in New York as a salary-cap analyst, lacked depth as an evaluator. Quinn came recommended by coach Bill Belichick, who got his head-coaching start in Cleveland in 1991 after being hired by Accorsi, then the Browns' executive vice president.
Eliot Wolf wasn't interviewed, according to a source familiar with the Lions' selection process, because Thompson denied the request.
"It was his job," the source said. "He was their first choice."
It turns out Wolf wasn't the only personnel guy denied permission to interview with other teams earlier this offseason.
McGinn writes the Tennessee Titans wanted to interview Brian Gutekunst to be their director of player personnel under their new GM Jon Robinson and last year, Chip Kelly had requested an interview with Gutekunst for a new personnel position the Eagles were creating.
The piece also states Alonzo Highsmith also was denied the chance to interview with the Washington Redskins last year for a position on Scot McCloughan's staff.
One quote from an anon "executive in personnel" caught my eye:
"You have to be strong enough to say, 'You know what? I've got to grow my own tree,'" an executive in personnel for an NFL team said in reference to Thompson. "Let the young guys grow."
John Schneider. Reggie McKenzie. John Dorsey.
I tend to think Thompson is doing just fine "growing his own tree" and I don't think there's anything wrong with hoarding good personnel people until he feels they are ready to run their own shop or, quite simply, until he feels the franchise can handle the loss of a good personnel executive.
Clearly, Thompson thinks the Packers are best served keeping Wolf, Gutekunst and Highsmith under the purview of 1265 Lombardi Ave. for the time being.
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Comments (13)
croatpackfan
April 25, 2016 at 02:16 am
I think it is more question regarding how Wolf, Gutenkunst and Highsmith feels about & how much thay get appreciation with Packers than just denying those 3 men their chance...
It is always better to have no person on his job than the one who is not pleased with that job...
NickPerry
April 25, 2016 at 06:20 am
I believe this will be TT last season in Green Bay. He has the front office set up for the future and a roster that needs a little help this year with a good draft to win it all. What a way to go out!
RCPackerFan
April 25, 2016 at 07:04 am
I kind of feel the same way. I feel like Elliott is going to take over next year as the new GM.
One thing I have been wondering though, is if they are going to try and keep Thompson on in some sort of a mentor type of role until his contract were to run out.
ray nichkee
April 25, 2016 at 07:39 am
I've heard theorys that TT will step down as GM for a smaller role and be head of the scouting department because that's what he seems to enjoy the most.
While reading this I asked myself what if Wolfs promotion this year was to keep him happy after denying him the chance to interview and dangling out the idea of taking over after he retires?
al bundy
May 01, 2016 at 09:58 pm
Oh please say it aint so. Seems they only scout stanford and cal. Him as a scout is like askng a blind man for directions. Lots more f the vauntedndatone jones'
Razer
April 25, 2016 at 07:34 am
As much as people complain about TT and his draft and develop philosophy, he has kept this franchise is good stead on numerous fronts. Nagler points out that we have some very good leadership and player personnel talent behind Ted. We have a fairly sound salary cap. We have a good coaching staff teaching these young guys. And, depending on injuries, we have enough talent to be a contender..
Whatever Ted does at the end of this season, we owe him a big thanks for ensuring that the Packers are solid going forward.
ray nichkee
April 25, 2016 at 07:40 am
That picture of TT scares me. He's showing emotion.
Packer_Pete
April 25, 2016 at 07:48 am
I was thinking the same thing Ray LOL...
lebowski
April 25, 2016 at 09:49 am
now that's funny
jeremyjjbrown
April 25, 2016 at 10:18 am
It's probubly just gas...
jeremyjjbrown
April 25, 2016 at 08:20 am
"Chip Kelly had requested an interview with Gutekunst"
So part of this at least is also Thompson protecting people from going to work for idiot's...
Razer
April 25, 2016 at 09:20 am
Chip "Reset" Kelly.
lebowski
April 25, 2016 at 09:48 am
I'd have gone just a little further for the most telling quote;
"Here's how one of Wolf's friends read the situation: 'I don't think Eliot would have turned it down. I think he would have liked the chance to interview for it, especially when he saw who got it. I think he's a little (expletive), but he's a good team guy.'"
We've been led to believe that Eliot Wolf is just biding his time here, a la Eric DeCosta in Baltimore, to take over. At least that's been my impression. Perhaps not.