Packers fire Mike McCarthy after 13 seasons

The Green Bay Packers have fired head coach Mike McCarthy, and named Joe Philin the interim, the team announced Sunday following an embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau. It was the Packers’ third straight loss . CEO Mark Murphy released the following statement.

“The 2018 season has not lived up to the expectations and standards of the Green Bay Packers. As a result, I made the difficult decision to relieve Mike McCarthy of his role as head coach, effective immediately,” Murphy said. “Mike has been a terrific head coach and leader of the Packers for 13 seasons, during which time we experienced a great deal of success on and off the field. We want to thank Mike, his wife, Jessica, and the rest of the McCarthy family for all that they have done for the Packers and the Green Bay and Wisconsin communities. We will immediately begin the process of selecting the next head coach of the Green Bay Packers.”

The move was not surprising in its substance but for its timing. Most expected McCarthy to be let go at season’s end but the Packers are notoriously conservative in making huge personnel moves.

McCarthy lasted thirteen seasons in Green Bay, a remarkable feat for any head coach, and found much success. Under McCarthy, the Packers made the playoffs every season between 2009-2016 and were crowned Super Bowl XLV champions. But the team has regressed over the past season and a half, and tensions with Aaron Rodgers have reportedly grown. A Sports Illustrated report last week detailed the issues between coach and quarterback, largely rooted in play calling.

McCarthy has been Rodgers’ head coach every tar since he’s been the starting QB so how much say and how we works with the new head coach will be a massive storyline for next season.