Packers’ Gutekunst to interview today for Texans’ GM job

Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay’s director player personnel, will be in Houston on Sunday to interview for the Texans’ general manager job.

Gutekunst, 47, has been with Green Bay for 19 years and is a candidate to replace Ted Thompson as the Packers’ new general manager. Thompson has accepted another position in the organization.

Gutekunst interviewed for Thompson’s job Friday, according to media reports. One report said Gutekunst is expected to run the personnel side of the organization and that Russ Ball, their vice president of administration, will be promoted to general manager.

Gutekunst was hired by Ron Wolf and worked under Wolf and Thompson, earning promotions through the years. He is wellrespected around the NFL as a sharp personnel man.

To find a replacement for Rick Smith, the Texans are interested in Gutekunst, Buffalo vice president of player personnel Brian Gaine, Texans vice president of football operations/assistant general manager Jimmy Raye III, New England vice president of player personnel Nick Caserio and Dallas vice president of player personnel Will McClay.

The Texans also were interested in Philadelphia vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas, but the Eagles denied permission for him to interview with the Texans.

Owner Bob McNair said last week that interviews will begin this week. He emphasized that the new general manager will have control of personnel, as Smith did. McNair also said the new general manager will answer to him and vice chairman Cal McNair.