The Green Bay Packers seem to think they need a fresh face for things moving forward. Ted Thompson will transition out of his current role as GM and director of football operations to senior advisor to football operations. This was reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network
Sources: #Packers GM Ted Thompson is expected to transition into a new role within the organization. The team will begin a search for a new GM. Bombshell.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2018
Team President and CEO Mark Murphy also released this statement on Tuesday
“I want to thank Ted Thompson for his tireless efforts as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers for these past 13 seasons. 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,” said Murphy. “The organization, our fans, and our community were fortunate to have had one of the NFL’s all-time great general managers leading our football operations. On a personal note, Ted’s work ethic, humility, and loyalty are nearly unparalleled, and it has been one of the great honors of my life to work beside him. Fortunately, Ted will remain involved in our personnel department as we work to win another championship. We will begin an immediate search for the next general manager of the Green Bay Packers.”
Ted Thompson has been the GM since 2005 when he selected Aaron Rodgers first overall in his first draft. He also hired Mike Mccarthy the same year and they’ve shared years of success even collecting a Superbowl ring in 2011.
It was clear recently the frustration for fans was building as the team lost more and more this year after Aaron Rodgers went down. This dependency on the QB as well as the lackluster defense showed some changes needed to be made, Defensive Coordinator Don Caper was fired Monday as well.
Even with his stellar record in the draft and developing players (see Clay Matthews, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb Etc.) the lack of players brought in from free agency to help their star pivot may have been the downfall of Thompson in the end.
The next GM, Whoever it may be, will have a headstart on getting this team back in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers will have a full offseason to prepare after his injury and the Packers will pick early in the draft, something Ted Thompson hasn’t been able to count on in recent years.
