5 Candidates That Make Sense in Green Bay

Taking a look that five candidates that could potentially make sense for the Green Bay Packers as the next head coach. 

When the Green Bay Packers decided to fire head coach Mike McCarthy, they set themselves up for a critical offseason. 

If the Packers don't knock it out of the park with this coaching hire, then the final years of Aaron Rodgers illustrious career could be wasted. At the very least, it could set back the franchise another couple years.

For whatever reason, McCarthy stopped getting the best out of this Packers teams. The culture had become stale and while a chance might have been necessary, Green Bay now faces the difficult task of finding a head coach that's better than McCarthy, who is a proven winner and who also is in high demand, with interviews with the Jets and Browns already.

Essentially, Mark Murphy needs to make the right choice or he is going to look like a fool. To put it simply, it will be his most important decision to date as the President of the Packers.

So far the team has cast a wide net and is interviewing a number of candidates and with that in mind, here are five coaching candidates that could make sense for the Packers as they search for McCarthy's replacement.

Josh McDaniels, Patriots Off Coordinator --

When it comes to Josh McDaniels, there are a lot of different opinions. He's a great offensive mind and his success with Tom Brady is probably his most attractive attribute. He has also worked under Bill Belichick for a long time and has previous head-coaching experience with the Broncos, even though it didn't end well.

Some cite McDaniels backing out on the Colts as a red flag, but Belichick kind of did the same thing with the Jets before taking the Patriots job. He was actually Jets head coach twice without ever coaching a game. Belichick also flamed out previously with Cleveland before returning to work under Bill Parcells. Then, when he got his second chance, he created one of the NFL's greatest dynasties. 

McDaniels would certainly seem to peak Rodgers interest and he also will have connections through the Belichick coaching tree to build a defensive staff. After turning down the Colts, McDaniels clearly won't take just any job, but the chance to work with Rodgers might be too tough to pass up.

Vic Fangio, Bears Def Coordinator --

While the Packers have generally picked offensive-minded head coaches over the past couple decades, going with a defensive guy might be a nice change of pace. 

Fangio has a wealth of experience and if he doesn't end up as the head coach in Green Bay, he will likely get a gig somewhere else. This year, he has coordinated the Bears to the top defense in the NFL, however, he has also coached some top-notch units in San Francisco and Buffalo. 

The defense has been a major issue for the Packers dating back to the early 2000s. If Fangio could fix that side of the ball and bring on an offensive coordinator that would get Rodgers excited again, it could be a dynamic choice that would also hurt divisional rival Chicago.

Dan Campbell, Saints TE Coach --

When I first heard that the Packers were interviewing Campbell, it didn't excite me a whole lot. I liked his tough-guy mentality in Miami when he was the interim head coach and the fact that he has been coaching under Sean Payton is also a plus.

Obviously, Campbell wouldn't be the offensive coordinator but he would be a good leader. In a lot of the ways, the Packers have been somewhat soft over the years and Campbell could certainly work to address that. He seems like someone who could light a fire for a team that has underachieved the past four years.

Campbell also has a relationship with Zac Taylor, the Rams quarterbacks coach who is getting looks as a head coach. If Taylor doesn't get a head coaching job and the Packers could pair him with Campbell, it might be the perfect fit. 

McCarthy wasn't the first name that came to mind in 2006, but he was the best fit. Campbell could fall into that category and he could take on a Mike Tomlin type role where he focuses on overseeing the entire team instead of one side of the ball.

Brian Flores, Patriots Def Coordinator--

Another name to keep an eye on is Brian Flores, a long-time defensive assistant in New England. 

At this point, Flores is essentially the defensive coordinator in New England and he coached safeties and linebackers before taking over the playcalling this season.

His unit was seventh in yards allowed and having Belichick as a mentor is another positive. Bill's disciples haven't all done that well, however, Bill O'Brien has been a success at Penn State and now in Houston and Flores could be too.

His ability to manage the defense would be a plus (see Fangio) and you would think he would also be able to put together an excellent staff.

Matt LaFleur, Titans Off Coordinator --

Another name that I like is Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFluer. He spent last season as the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles before taking over the job under the Titans with Mike Vrabel. 

LaFleur worked as quarterbacks coach under Kyle Shanahan when he was the offensive coordinator in Atlanta and did the same thing in Washington under Mike Shanahan. While the Titans didn't have great stats offensively this season, that doesn't really matter.

McCarthy coordinated one of the worst offenses in football with the 49ers before he was hired in Green Bay and we know how that worked out.

If the Packers want a young offensive mind like McVay, LaFluer might be the best choice outside of McDaniels and if he can get the best out of Rodgers, it would be well worth it. 

 

 

__________________________

Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru

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Comments (113)

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Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 12:22 pm

My guess is that the Packers HC job is McDaniels to lose. If that doesn't happen, I'd say Campbell and LaFleur would be next in line.

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TheVOR's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:26 pm

McDaniels and Campbell are the only two coaches in that list I'd really be interested in, and perhaps even consider the QB coach in LA for a promotion to OC under a Josh McDaniels.

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Hawg Hanner's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:42 pm

The issue is who is going to go to work for McDaniels after the fiasco in Indianapolis. Explain that.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:50 pm

Would a link to an article help? He already has commitments from guys who want to be part of a Packers staff. He reportedly has one guy who ain't moving anywhere but with McDaniels if/when he comes to Green Bay.

I said this earlier. Belichick QUIT on the Jets after ONE day. ONE. I have little doubt ol' Bill got in Josh's head and told him it was okay to comeback to New England. He's a master and McDaniels is many years his junior and looked up to him.

What he did was deplorable and I find it to be weak character to do what he did but I bet he was manipulated hard. That is a little scary if true that he isn't enough of his own man to be able to walk away. I'll bet old Bill wouldn't guilt trip him this time.

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Rak43's picture

January 03, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Actually a link would not only be helpful but much appreciated as well.

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NickPerry's picture

January 04, 2019 at 04:59 am

The link can't be posted on this site but it's easiest enough to find if I'm thinking of the same link John is talking about.

There was a piece by Charles Robinson at Yahoo Spots on 12/03/2018 which suggested there were Asst. Coaches already trying to position themselves should McDaniels land the HC gig in GB.

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TKWorldWide's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:34 pm

LaFleur is a guy who could make me bleed my own blood.

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HankScorpio's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:18 pm

He has the approval of Chuck Norris, too.

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dobber's picture

January 04, 2019 at 05:01 am

I ain't got time to bleed...

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mrtundra's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:01 pm

Wouldn't want LaFleur. He was in charge of both Griffen III and Cousins in Washington and we know how that worked out.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:44 pm

Cousins worked out great Tundra. He got a divison rival to pay $84 mil fully guaranteed for average QB play!

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LambeauPlain's picture

January 04, 2019 at 01:10 pm

$84 million to miss the playoffs! LOL.

Cousins is simply a richer version of Matt Flynn.

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Rak43's picture

January 03, 2019 at 11:52 pm

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense what you're saying. He basically took two overrated player and helped one to the rookie of the year award and then helped the other get a contract for 84 million guaranteed. Sounds like he made lemonade from lemons and only makes him more attractive for the job. Ironically there was an article on Acme today I believe that outlined LaFleur as having a very similar coaching background and arc as McCarthy.

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Rak43's picture

January 03, 2019 at 11:52 pm

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense what you're saying. He basically took two overrated player and helped one to the rookie of the year award and then helped the other get a contract for 84 million guaranteed. Sounds like he made lemonade from lemons and only makes him more attractive for the job. Ironically there was an article on Acme today I believe that outlined LaFleur as having a very similar coaching background and arc as McCarthy.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 12:45 pm

I will bet dollars to donuts that Joe Philbin recommended Campbell to Magic Mark. Campbell replaced him in Miami when he was fired and he said nice things about Joe when he was introduced to the media as the interim.

My feeling on Campbell is we'd be getting Mike Tice. Some big tough talking guy who isn't exactly a genius.

We need tough AND brilliant AND passionate.. Not just 2/3rds of the equation.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:17 pm

How do you know he's not smart? Do you have an example of him being obtuse that you compare him to Mike Tice?

Listening to his comments he sounds pretty insightful to me.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 03:07 pm

This might help:

Just Google: dolphins-dan-campbell-is-tough-but-is-he-smart

Don't reject it because it backs what I've said. I don't type to insult. I just don't want Mike Tice as our HC after 13 years of underwhelming intellecutalism.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:00 pm

OK, there is 1 guy on fansided that came up and nobody commented on his posts.

There is also stuff from Sean Payton and numerous players about what a fantastic leader he is. I don't think he's a Mike Tice.

In the end what I think matters little anyways. I don't care who they hire TBH. I just hope they are successful and honorable.

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:32 pm

I read that article, and the context is important, too: here's a guy who was just elevated over his OC and DC to HC position. His team's a mess and has troubles in the locker room. He's been in coaching about 5 years, total. He won his first two games as HC coaching--according to the writer--on BFI (brute force and ignorance), but is now being criticized for being outcoached by Bill Belichick--with an undefeated Patriots team that was steamrolling through its schedule (the Dolphins came back and beat--actually dominated--the Pats in week 17 when a win would've gotten NE the first overall seed)?

I can't help but wonder if he was elevated to HC by the Dolphins as a sacrificial lamb: not perceived as an internal threat for the HC position at year's end. In the end, Campbell's a guy who hasn't been a coordinator and has never called plays. He's never installed 'his own system', which is different from what people anticipate from a Josh McDaniels or an Adam Gase or even a Zac Taylor. In Campbell's case, he's not selling scheme (although it sounds like he might model more of the Pittsburgh Steelers approach), he's selling exactly what you said: leadership and toughness. He's selling his personal ability to innovate less than his ability to find outstanding coordinators to support him, his ability to replace those coordinators when they move on, and (probably most importantly) his ability to get players to play for him.

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HankScorpio's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:44 pm

'In Campbell's case, he's not selling scheme (although it sounds like he might model more of the Pittsburgh Steelers approach), he's selling exactly what you said: leadership and toughness. He's selling his personal ability to innovate less than his ability to find outstanding coordinators to support him, his ability to replace those coordinators when they move on, and (probably most importantly) his ability to get players to play for him."

I have no idea if Campbell is any good.

But this the profile I'd prefer. I don't want a guy that thinks his system is super-awesome. I'd rather have a guy that hangs his hat on being the leader. A good leader will hire good coordinators and position assistants and let them do their job.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:41 pm

EDIT: I agree with you, dobber. The one area I do take issue with is the Belichick part. It wasn't about losing to Belichick it was Campbell's decision making. Few guys are Belichick but you can sense during a game who is struggling with in game decisions. McCarthy was not a brilliant guy who ever inspired anyone who ever watched a Packers game. I can't think of a time I watched a Packers game and thought... Man, that was brilliant right there by McCarthy. I found the exact opposite to be the case on too many occasions to count.

To jjb:

Of course there is. Go research Mike Tice and see what people said about him before he got hired as a HC. Somebody somewhere is promoting these guys through word of mouth. EVERYONE gets promoted via word of mouth. Few are worthy of that promotion or find themselves in a situation to be successful.

I stated why I don't want him. You do? Great. I do not. I love parts of what he is but he lacks, to me, one of the essential elements that I crave in our next HC. He has to be BRILLIANT. Not some average intellgence guy like McCarthy was. Holmgren was very bright. That's the type of guy I want.

McDaniels is bright. I don't know about his toughness.

At this point, I don't believe you should hire a nobody and hope he turns out okay. You have to hire the guy that makes the most sense with the best pedigree and if he fails and least your process was sound.

Not a McDaniels fan but of the guys up on the board, he's the one I'd want the most. The lesser of all other evils.

Prefer Pettine to all of them. Jim Harbaugh, too. This list we have is about what I would expect from Magic Mark minus McDaniels. The rest of that list is uninspiring just like him.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:31 pm

Oh, and it's more than just the article. I try to get a feel for these candidates by researching them. Not in the Campbell camp.

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:35 pm

I agree: there's really precious little out there to get a feel for him. He feels like a 'shot in the dark' kind of HC candidate...one that the hiring party later admits to 'having a feeling'.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:39 pm

Always go to YouTube and watch their interviews. It gives a sense of the man. I try to watch as many as I can until I feel like I have a sense. I like to read national and local media about the man. I like to look at bio. It's not hard to spend 30 minutes to an hour finding out about these guys. Plus, some you may already know from following the NFL.

Glad we agree...you can NOT hire some wish and a prayer like McCarthy was. The process to hire him was scary, imo.

This time we don't bring in some non-pedigreed nobody who happens to fit with us. Yes, I'm aware of McCarthy's background.

I'm really surprised the sights weren't set A LOT higher than the candidate pool we've seen reported. It's troubling, at least to me that the storied Green Bay Packers are sifting through low level guys hoping they can sell him as a diamond in the rough. Although, I have this hope and suspicion it's always been McDaniels for Brian, and Pat for Magic Mark. Thank God Pat ain't leaving NW.

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:48 pm

TBH, I think there are a lot of wild cards and unimpressive candidates in the HC pool this year, in general. This doesn't feel like a strong year with a Plan A (to use your terminology), but 2 or 3 nearly equivalent quality catches. Just like the draft, there are years rich with good prospects and years without. To carry the draft analogy, perhaps the Packers brass are "drafting for perceived need".

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:56 pm

I agree with ALL of this 100%,

This is a DREADFUL year for head coaches and teams need EIGHT.

Joe Banner said 1 in 7 coaches will work out well when you look back on it long term.

What are the odds Magic Murphy is the guy who pulls the rabbit out of his hat? I do not like these odds and I'm very concerned a bad underwhelming hire is the coup de gras for this org. It could potentially withstand Magic Mark and Brian with an alpha HC but not an underwhelming "fit" guy.

I said this elsewhere last off-season...the Packers are on their way to the Browns and the Browns on their way to the Packers. Cleveland already had a better record with a rookie who didn't start until Week 4. I really fear that gap is going to widen over the next few years UNLESS this HC hire is more of a grand slam than a home run.

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Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 06:27 pm

I don't think it's that important for a bunch of info and YouTube videos to be available on coaching candidates. I suspect that those involved in the NFL their whole lives know more than anyone on the internet and in the general public about them.

Lots of posters acting like they know these candidates personally, have insider information and can see into the future as to how they'll be as head coaches. I'd suggest that people just sit back and relax and let the process play out.

Either way, everyone posting here will be telling us "I told you so" in a couple years regardless how it turns out.

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HankScorpio's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:41 pm

"Either way, everyone posting here will be telling us "I told you so" in a couple years regardless how it turns out"

I said that exact thing 2 weeks ago.

(Not really, just trying to beat the rush)

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 08:19 pm

This is what I do, Lare. You don't have to. Does it make me qualifed to hire an NFL HC? Heck, no. What it does do is give me a sense of the person. A profile. That matters to me. I enjoy it. I like research and study. Of course, those who don't do that will ridicule and overblow what is being said by the ones who take the time.

Isn't there something you look for in a leader? Something in them that makes you want to follow or not? Is for me.

You never get a sense or form an opinion on someone immediately? We all do that. Every single day. The internet gives you a much better window into someone than what you normally do to people you pass by our meet every single day. Great tool.

There's not a single person here I've read who is acting like they know anyone save for some of the people who are incessantly after me with their wholesome and positive commentary.

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Bert's picture

January 03, 2019 at 08:05 pm

I dunno dobber. Lombardi wasn't well known and was maybe a "shot in the dark" candidate. If Gute and Murphy have a strong feeling about somebody then they might actually be right. Let's give them a chance and the benefit of the doubt. It's not our call to make and they will be held accountable if things go south.

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fastmoving's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:44 pm

as brilliant as you are, Jealous John, I would guess you dont have a lot dollars left to bet.

But your right, the big tough talking/writing guys just fight here inferiority complexes. Its easy to see. But thanks god you probably had never to decide anything meaningfull in your whole life.

But so you got a lot of free time to help us out with your limitless wisdom…...

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:49 pm

The interim guy rarely, if ever, shits on the guy who just lost his job.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 03, 2019 at 02:16 pm

How often does any coach talk bad about another coach? It's a tiny club.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 02:47 pm

Understood. Wasn't the point. The point was that Philbin likely did Campbell a favor recommending him for the Packers job and I detailed why that favor was likely done beyond the fact Philbin hired him in the first placce.

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:24 pm

So Philbin made Campbell part of his own competition because Campbell didn't dump on him when he was down 4 years ago?

I say 'competition' but I can't think Philbin believes he has more than a puncher's shot at getting this job.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:46 pm

I don't believe Philbin ever wanted this job...and knew even if he did there was ZERO possibility despite Magic Mark's bombast to the media he was a serious candidate. C'mon. He never was.

When I watch Philbin I feel sad. I feel like he's sad. A little Barry Manilow thing going when I watch him. I feel sad when you're sad...

Don't you get senses from watching people speak and interact? I do. I love it. I honestly feel for him. Can't imagine coming back here after the trauma. He has to have PTSD moments all the time. Seems like such a good guy, too.

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:59 pm

The 'sad clown' analogy seems apt.

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TKWorldWide's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:14 pm

But if he offers you a red balloon, decline.
(They all float down there.)

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:41 pm

Georgie...

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TKWorldWide's picture

January 03, 2019 at 08:37 pm

I appreciate you playing along, old friend.

(While at the same time, I can hear my old 7th grade teacher saying, “Don’t encourage him.”)

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Leatherhead's picture

January 03, 2019 at 09:27 pm

So....Philbin recommends a guy for the same job he's trying to get?

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 09:37 pm

Yes...because he's not getting the job and he knows this. I don't believe he ever wanted it.

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Donster's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:06 am

I agree John. Don't think he really is a legitimate candidate and doesn't want the job anyway. He was hired to help make the Packers offense great again. Didn't happen. He is getting an interview out of courtesy, not because he has a chance. I may be way off, but I believe he would rather be an assistant for a team, never a head coach again.

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Hawg Hanner's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:43 pm

Bart Starr was all three of those!

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:06 pm

Hmmm. I don't know how "smart" and "tough" someone is who gets hazed at 'Bama to the point of near death and ends up suffering the rest of his life and never says a word to stop the next guy from suffering a similar fate.

No intelligent tough guy is going to let himself be abused like that and not stand up and make sure that it doesn't happen to anyone else.

I feel for the guy for what he endured but don't respect that he didn't speak out even though those times were different. Who knows who else suffered a similar fate when he might have been able to stop it?

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4thand1's picture

January 03, 2019 at 12:43 pm

There are going to be a lot of new coaches hired, not just a HC. A new ST's coach will be an improvement, can't do worse. Replacing Moss with an sane person will be a step up. Keep Pettine please, with an edge rusher the D will ascend.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 12:49 pm

I laughed when I read the Moss comment.

Thinking back on 2017... We had a GM with health issues...an assistant HC with major mental illness...and nobody seemed to notice or do anything UNTIL one was seen on TV in a compromising shot, and the other due to a Twitter tirade.

You just can't feel good knowing these things.

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Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 12:59 pm

It's been my experience that some people always feel good as long as they have something to complain about.

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:26 pm

Oh, first of all...you feel good knowing these two things? I'd love for you to answer. Ted on TV looking like he just got done having a lobotomy and Winston Moss going insane on Twitter after his "I can't help you" presser where he was then hidden from the media after? McCarthy KNEW Moss was MENTALLY ILL. They all did. NOBODY did a thing UNTIL Twitter tirade time. Same with Ted. You could see his decline. Many did. It took that TV shot vs. Minnesota to get the org to hide him, too. It HID two guys with serious issues that IT KNEW ABOUT. It created some story that Ted wanted to step down and scout?! Please. Operation HIde Ted was hatched that Monday morning after the TV thing. You feel good about this or you just want to put your fingers in your ears and hands over your eyes and PRETEND it's not true and I have an issue with just wanting to be upset for no reason? Oh my... Oh my.

Really? I was more than content when Bob, Ron and Mike were here. Hey day.

Maybe, that's my problem? I recall those times vividly. The best of times for me in my nearly 4 decades following this team. Nothing like seeing a crap kicker like Wolf come in and go get a LEGIT HC candidate from the great Niners tree. Ron comes in and brings in Brett and Reggie and he never stopped bringing in guys. What a time.

All of a sudden I'm living through Ted Thompson? Mike McCarthy? Mark Murphy? I can't stand any of them.

If you had a best friend and you ever moved away from that person, and you found that nobody was quite like your old best friend perhaps you'd understand my issue with the current state of affairs. I'm not unhappy because I want to complain. I'm upset because I think this organization has gone downhill. I mean really downhill. The greatness of Aaron Rodgers covered a multitude of sins around here for a long long time. His fade has exposed what is really here. The mirage has evaporated and you now see just how ugly it really is. Well, some of you do. Some still think things are fantastic.

I've invested a ton of time and money into the Packers over the years. I now have a love/hate relationship based on my issues with the FO side that has gotten worse as all those years of Ted took their toll. Now, the "fixer" is a guy WORSE than Ted. A deplorable lying empty suit. My goodness it's tough sometimes.

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Donster's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:17 am

Moss was truly diagnosed with Mental Illness? I guess I missed that announcement. I am not attacking you John. I've just never read that anywhere. If it is a fact, I do hope he gets treatment so he can have a better life as time goes on.

As for TT, I wanted him out of GB a number of years ago. I don't know for sure, but I think he probably has some form of Dementia, whether it is hereditary or due to concussions from playing football. He was a loner, really only associated with his immediate family.

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HankScorpio's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:37 pm

Wow, that small little sentence drew a really big reply

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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 09:38 pm

Compensating for something. :)

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pacman's picture

January 03, 2019 at 02:33 pm

Agree 100% about Pettine. He seemed to do a lot while not having a great D to work with but enough to keep them in most games. (These last couple games with so many IR'ed don't count).

I don't want any Bear remnants. I have Chicago family and I don't want to hear that we only won because 'you stole our coach'- LOL!

McDaniels might be the only one out there with enough offensive prestige to tame Rodgers. Brady's ego is probably bigger than Rodgers - but at least he deserves it.

And if they hire a college coach, I'm going to puke.

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Houndog's picture

January 03, 2019 at 03:50 pm

pacman,

"If they hire a college coach, I'm going to puke".

If Magic Mark has his way you'd better reach for the bucket!

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PAPackerbacker's picture

January 03, 2019 at 12:56 pm

Nice list to be picking a HC from. But I'm sure it's not the whole list of candidates the Packers will consider, but it is an impressive one. Will be a fun process to see who the next coach will be. Hopefully, whoever the new coach is going to be in Green Bay will be one who is a no nonsense, but open minded coach who will be able to inspire the players to compete at a top level and bring the Lombardi trophy back to Titletown. For one, I will support whoever the Packers choose to lead the team into the future. Go! Pack! Go!

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ChrisPeterson's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:14 pm

Yeah, I think they probably have a few more guys on their list. I think that they would be interested in Pat Fitzgerald and after thinking about it, I don't think he would be bad. He's a smart guy and tough and is a great motivator. He would need good assistants on both sides of the ball. But he said he is staying at Northwestern so I don't think he will be a candidate. It's hard to say I can't say I have a good read on what they are going to do.

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Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:27 pm

They are planning on interviewing Philbin, Munchak and Carmichael, although I don't know how serious they are about them. Perhaps they're doing them simply to get their impressions on the other top candidates.

As to Fitzgerald, however good a candidate he may be I don't think Murphy and Gutekunst can afford to wait 2-3 years for him to learn the NFL.

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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:53 pm

The media plays the Carmichael interview as a, "well, we have 5 hours after we finish our interview in New Orleans...what should we do to kill the time?" kind of thing.

I agree: I don't think you hire a Pat Fitzgerald when you have a narrow window to work in. Pat Fitzgerald belongs in an Arizona or with the Giants or Jets. If the Packers hire Pat Fitzgerald--and, yes, I have some affinity for him--I think you expect them to draft their next QB of the future soon and start thinking about 2021.

1 points
1
0
TheBigCheeze's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:08 pm

...try and get Fangio and McDaniels.....do some big-time wheelin' & dealin'.....

0 points
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2
albert999's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:06 pm

that would be HUGE

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:28 pm

You know what I think. I know that the interim coach gets the job 40% of the time. I know he has experience as a HC, a good working relationship with the GM and President, and has been endorsed publicly by players including Aaron Rodgers.

I think all these guys who Gutekunst has been bringing to Green Bay are guys that he wants to have around for more than one year. That'd include Philbin and Pettine.

I like all the guys we're interviewing, but I think Gutekunst made this decision a long time ago.

-5 points
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5
Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:42 pm

First of all, it isn't up to Gutekunst, Murphy has ultimate authority over the HC hire.

And Gutekunst didn't bring Pettine and/or Philbin to Green Bay, McCarthy did.

That said, I do believe that the decision has already been made and it isn't Philbin. Especially after the last game.

5 points
6
1
dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:41 pm

Suppose the Packers have made a decision. Suppose it's "McDaniels or bust". I hope they're intuitive and flexible enough to recognize that if it's starting to look like 'bust', they don't wait 4 weeks and find out they came up snake eyes in their coaching search and end up just lifting the 'interim' label on Philbin (I cringe at that thought).

I've been among those who point to the Colts and say, "turned out OK for them," when McDaniels bolted on them and they ended up with a consolation prize. But they also got better by an All-Pro QB coming back, too, and a defense that all of a sudden learned how to play (and put Matt Eberflus, a McDaniels hire, on the HC radar).

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:57 pm

So two experienced NFL head coaches join the organization within weeks of Gutekunst assuming control....and he had nothing to do with it.

Ok. I finally understand. Thank you.

-3 points
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3
PeteK's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:22 pm

I hope it's just a rumor, but I was listening to the WFAN ( NY sports radio) this afternoon and the host said that Rogers really likes Philbin as head coach.

0 points
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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:36 pm

Which host? Brandon Tierney? Tiki and Tierney show?

-2 points
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2
PeteK's picture

January 04, 2019 at 08:56 am

The mild mannered Mike Franecsa.

0 points
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porupack's picture

January 03, 2019 at 01:51 pm

THanks Chris for your thoughts. What do you see as the top 3 traits as HC that are needed in GreenBay? Player motivator? Scheme Innovator? Disciplinarian? Coach staff leader-mastermind? Strategist? Public Demeanor-Integrity? Game manager? Connections/and ability to recruit coaching staff? Skill teacher and technician (fixer of QBs for example)? other? Just wondering myself as I thought biggest complaints against MM were; stale strategy (me included), but also couldn't tweak players' contributions to be greater than sum of parts. Hard to know why....did he just retain poor subordinate coaches? Was he not involved enough in scheme/designs? Did ne not recruit the right coaching talent under him? Because one could argue, that innovations would/should come from OC and DC subordinates, not necessarily the HC himself be the sole possessor of innovation. But things like poor technique in defense, QB and perhaps other positions suggest poor emphasis on teaching technique.

Thanks for any added thoughts

0 points
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Packers0808's picture

January 03, 2019 at 02:30 pm

The Brian Flores choice seems to be an intriguing guy and possible hire!

1 points
2
1
Swigganz's picture

January 03, 2019 at 03:26 pm

I'm hopeful for either McDaniels or Campbell. I think McDaniels would get the most out of Rodgers and would be successful if he trusts his coaches and doesn't try to micromanage... and Campbell would create a team that puts it all on the field each week...he'd just need the right coordinators working by his side for success.

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

January 03, 2019 at 03:29 pm

How anyone can expect from person who do not respect himself to be leader of the men?
You really believe that prostitute can be person with integrity? You never know when that person will leave you because he got more money somewhere else...

-8 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:01 pm

This is below your usual standards, croat.

2 points
3
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croatpackfan's picture

January 04, 2019 at 01:55 am

OK, Because of what claim?

You are telling me that is OK to give your word and then stomp on it for more money and you can call yourself person with integrity?

-2 points
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2
CoachJV's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:06 pm

I wish people would get off the Vic Fangio bandwagon. He's NOT a good fit for the Pack. And it's highly doubtful he could find a good OC to call plays.

We really need to stick to Offensive minds here.

Just my beliefs.

-1 points
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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:09 pm

...and when did Fangio become a candidate?

-3 points
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4
Jonathan Spader's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:25 pm

According to Vegas he's not...

Green Bay Packers Head Coach in Week 1 of 2019 Season
John DeFilippo +200
Josh McDaniels +225
Adam Gase +500
Jim Harbaugh +800
Lincoln Riley +1000
Dave Toub +1500
Zac Taylor +1500
Eric Bieniemy +1500
Bruce Arians +2000
Pete Carmichael Jr. +2000
Jay Gruden +3000
John Harbaugh +4000
David Shaw +5000
Todd Bowles +7500
Dirk Koetter +7500
Gary Kubiak +10000
Kliff Kingsbury +10000
Joe Philbin +10000
Marvin Lewis +20000
Steve Sarkisian +20000
Nick Saban +25000
Brian Kelly +50000
Urban Meyer +50000
Mike Holmgren +100000
Brett Favre +100000

1 points
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Rak43's picture

January 04, 2019 at 12:10 am

That's pretty funny JS. About 3 weeks ago I said on here I thought DeFilippo would be their guy. We'll see but it looks like Vegas at least agreed with me.

2 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:18 am

You did Rak :) what I've learned is that Vegas knows something we as fans don't. Their odds are always fluctuating but the house always wins. It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out.

1 points
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HankScorpio's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:45 am

Looking at that list, several are not even getting interviews, including the favorite. Several are meant to play into fan bias, especially Favre and Holmgren. 1000-1 on them? Why not pluck down $10? DeFillipo is meant to play on the natural rivalry between Minny & GB. Making him the favorite is a nice touch to add some credibility to something that does not appear credible. All the college guys are non-candidates. Any bets on those names are donations to the House that finance pay outs to the winner. If there is a winner.

There are at least a few guys that are candidates getting an actual interview that are not on the list. Do they give an option for "field" that was not copied? Or does possibility that mean all bets are wins for the house?

Vegas may not know more than fans about what will happen. But they sure know how to rig the betting to their advantage.

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

January 04, 2019 at 01:15 pm

What does Vegas know? Brian Flores is interviewing this afternoon with Gute and Murphy in New England and they don't even list him. LOL!

0 points
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Swisch's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:28 pm

Not to be confused with the author of this article, what about Washington Huskies coach Chris Petersen, who seems to have maximized the potential of his current school, after doing the same for Boise State (Remember the 2007 Fiesta Bowl?).
Petersen seems a solid guy, while at the same time his offenses are highly creative.
I don't know all that much about him, but wonder if he's underrated because he's understated.
Why wouldn't he at least be a candidate as head coach in Green Bay? The guy is a winner, and possibly a coaching genius.

0 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

January 03, 2019 at 04:30 pm

“Underrated because he’s understated”: awesome!
And plenty of posters on here resemble that remark.

3 points
3
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 03, 2019 at 08:11 pm

Doug Niemczynski +1,000,000,000

Dang it!

2 points
2
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Hematite's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:01 am

The same thing occurred to me as I was watching the Rose Bowl game.
I still don't favor hiring a college coach as Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers.
I still haven't gotten over the Dan Devine years.

1 points
1
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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:05 pm

Interesting that JSOnline is reporting that McDaniels' ONLY scheduled interview is with the Packers? Can we assume that this means either A) everyone assumes he's coming to GB and it's not worth the investment to try to sway him, or B) he's such a poison pill that nobody else wants anything to do with him?

0 points
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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:38 pm

Bengals tried to interview him and he rebuffed them.

0 points
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2
TKWorldWide's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:09 pm

I rebuff myself every time I work out.

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:31 pm

down vote. But why?

-1 points
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LeotisHarris's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:47 pm

It's the anti-rebuffing crowd. They're easily offended.

1 points
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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:52 pm

I know it was supposed to be clever, but it just sounds dirty.

1 points
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TKWorldWide's picture

January 04, 2019 at 06:10 am

I take it as a reverse form of body shaming.

Yet I soldier on, amidst the controversy, appreciating Eddie Lacy all the more.

6 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:20 am

"Yet I soldier on, amidst the controversy, appreciating Eddie Lacy all the more."

FFFFFEEEEAAAASSSSTTTTT MMMMMOOOODDDDEEEE!!!

3 points
3
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flackcatcher's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:59 pm

No doubt from his agent......

0 points
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Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 06:30 pm

Isn't that what agents are paid to do?

-2 points
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dobber's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:53 pm

Doesn't his agent want to blow up demand rather than suppress it?

1 points
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John Kirk's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:38 pm

The Fitzgerald thing FINALLY dies. FINALLY!

From @rapsheet

Despite multiple NFL inquiries, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald is not going to be a candidate for any NFL jobs, agent Bryan Harlan tells me. The #Packers had hoped to interview him, among others.

0 points
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3
flackcatcher's picture

January 03, 2019 at 05:53 pm

Good overview Chris. At this point 'nobody knows nothing' about the hiring process. Well those outside of 1265 that is. Two brief points. As I written before, Mark Murphy is term limited as Packer president. His contract ends in March of this year, so how much influence he has on the selection is unknown at this point. Player personal has a huge say in this hire. How close does Packers GM Gute and his front office team think this team is close to being playoff or Superbowl caliber is equally unknown to us fans. Finally, the big X here is the Packer executive committee. Over the past summer they flex their power and rebuked Murphy and changed Gute's contract to give him back the power to hire and fire both coaches and players over Murphy's objections. I believe the committee will make the final call. Also, it is important to remember, that the committee may not want to move until they have a replacement for Murphy on board or in house. There is a lot more in play, then just hiring a new coach at 1265 here.

0 points
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Lare's picture

January 03, 2019 at 06:02 pm

I would be interested in seeing any evidence you can provide showing that Gutekunst was given the power to hire and fire coaches.

Everything I have seen, including comments from both Murphy and Gutekunst himself indicate that Murphy currently has the power to hire and fire the HC.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 03, 2019 at 06:59 pm

Lare….don't be so obtuse. Murphy interviews the candidates and asks them "What's your plan?" Then he hires the guy he thinks has the best plan for the organization. That was Gutekunst. Then Pettine and Philbin come aboard.

You can't connect those dots? Why On Earth would McCarthy go out of the way to hire two successors? More likely, Gutekunst and Murphy were like "Mike, we'd like to replace Capers with Pettine and bring Philbin back to help with the offense. What do you think?"

Not that hard to figure out. Seriously. This rigid insistence that a GM was hired and that two veteran NFL head coaches immediately return to the organization and that he wasn't involved in that decision....that's just ludicrous. There's no way it happened like that.

-1 points
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HankScorpio's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:22 pm

"Why On Earth would McCarthy go out of the way to hire two successors?"

The obvious answer would be that he was trying to assemble the best staff so he could keep his own job. I get the sense you think that must be wrong somehow.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

January 03, 2019 at 09:36 pm

A more obvious answer is that Gute and Murph wanted Pettine and Philbin in Green Bay. McCarthy was a dead man walking unless we won the division and maybe even that wouldn't have saved him.

Philbin will be HC. Pettine will remain DC. We'll get another OC.

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:26 pm

Let me be blunt here. Don't be an flaming jerk. This happen over the summer in and on the major Wisconsin Media. The Murphy radio tour followed by former Packer President Bob Harlan on the same radio networks and news outlet publicly rebuking Murphy in the name of the executive committee, saying Murphy exceeded his authority. Do you understand what that means, the executive committee using their most powerful voice, kneecapped Murphy in public. That was as clear a signal as the organization could make, that a change was coming. Don't be naive. We might not see it, but the committee had decided to move on from Murphy, otherwise they would have backed him publicly. Does this mean that Murphy is a figure head and nothing else? We're on the outside, so it's impossible to say at this point. But my basic point holds. There is far more than just a head coaching job at play here, and I suggest that taking a broader look, would help one understand that.

2 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 03, 2019 at 06:53 pm

Well, no matter who is going to be chosen as head coach you can bet that what we say isn't going to matter.

3 points
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1
AgrippaLII's picture

January 03, 2019 at 07:54 pm

I don't care for anyone in this batch. In fact this group makes Pagano,Caldwell,or Philbin look a lot more attractive to me!

1 points
1
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Bert's picture

January 03, 2019 at 08:09 pm

OMG!! Gute and Murphy don't know what they're doing! They'll hire the wrong guy!! The sky is falling!! The fans should vote on who should be the next HC. Yeah. That's the ticket!

0 points
3
3
Jonathan Spader's picture

January 04, 2019 at 07:24 am

Why can't fans get it right Bert? In 2018 we have access to more information than ever. In 2017 fans screamed for Aaron Jones to get an opportunity at RB. For years GB fams have screamed for the firing of TT and MM. Fans like the Packer organization aren't always right but we have our moments.

1 points
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Bert's picture

January 04, 2019 at 09:07 am

I'm not saying fans can't get it right Jon. I'm just saying that it's Murphy and Gute's job to perform the interviews and select the best candidate. None of us are privy to the information they have nor do we have the information they have on each candidate. Yes, we have more information than ever. But much of that information is second hand and filtered. Let's give MM and Gute a chance. Heck. I have my favorite too in Campbell. But that is based on limited information and I've never interviewed him for anything.

1 points
1
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Lare's picture

January 04, 2019 at 01:38 pm

I don't know Bert, if you read some of the posters here they are personal friends with many of those involved, they have insider NFL information that Murphy & Gutekunst don't have at their disposal and best of all, some of them can change the past and see into the future.

Really, I'm not even sure why the Packers are wasting their time & money on doing research, personnel evaluation and interviews. They could save everyone a lot of time & money by just checking with the real experts.

1 points
1
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Bure9620's picture

January 03, 2019 at 09:08 pm

Fitzgerald IS indeed staying at NW after rejecting an interview. Most on this chat willi likely be in favor. None of these candidates excite as someone who can get the best out if this team. Your move Murph, if the Packers miss the playoffs again with Aaron Rodgers in 16 games, you will be gone.......there are just too few to point the finger at now, time to point the thumb.

-1 points
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1
Buckywunder's picture

January 04, 2019 at 01:06 am

*pique

3 points
3
0
Rebecca's picture

January 04, 2019 at 05:12 am

And now Mercedes Lewis reveals who's really in charge at Lambeau, and he is not going anywhere soon. We all know it's Mr.Rodgers' neighborhood and whomever is picked as head coach needs to be approved by Sir Aaron GOAT Rodgers. That is ALL!

...giggles...

-2 points
0
2
LambeauPlain's picture

January 04, 2019 at 01:22 pm

Brian Flores has more experience in the NFL at age 37 than most NFL coaches in their 50's.

Last time the Packers hired a young, hard working, ambitious coach to his first HC position, it worked out rather well.

The more I read about Flores, the more I like him.

-1 points
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1
CoachJV's picture

January 04, 2019 at 04:14 pm

I'm kinda liking Matt LaFleur. I mean, I see how it went this season for him in Titanville, but I can't bring myself to hold it against him.
I think if he came on board, kept Pettine, we might have a decent combination of coaches.

Campbell is intriguing too... but then again, I always kinda hope for the darkhorse underdogs.

EDIT: And now PFT is reporting that the Pack will interview Adam Gase.... getting even more interesting.

-1 points
0
1