Stable Packers embark on offseason of change

Green Bay, Wis. — One of the NFL's model franchises for stability and success, the Green Bay Packers have embarked on an offseason of change after missing the playoffs and finishing with a losing record for the first time since 2008.

Ted Thompson is out after 13 years as general manager but will remain as senior adviser of football operations. President/CEO Mark Murphy said a search for a replacement has started.

This should be an attractive opening since the Packers aren't far off from returning to contender status. Two-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to return to full health next season following a collarbone injury.

“I think with our organization, the success we've had in the past, I think very realistically we can win Super Bowls in the near future,” Murphy said Tuesday at Lambeau Field. “And it's now on us to get the right people in place and move forward.”

The Packers have several in-house candidates. But whoever replaces Thompson will have Mike McCarthy under contract through 2019, after Murphy said the coach was given a one-year extension during the season. The extension prevents McCarthy from having lame-duck status with a new GM.

“Kind of like Ted, the two of them together have had a great run. We have all the confidence in the world in Mike,” Murphy said.

The Packers' Super Bowl victory in 2010 was the highlight of Thompson's 13-year tenure, which also included four NFC championship game appearances.

The Packers abided by a “draft-and-develop” philosophy on Thompson's watch.

“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,” Murphy said.

But Green Bay lost its season finale 35-11 on Sunday to the Detroit Lions, slipping below .500 in a season in which Rodgers missed nine games with the collarbone injury.

The offense struggled with backup Brett Hundley, and a defense stocked with high draft picks failed to improve again.

Murphy said the subject of a transition was broached with Thompson after the season finale. Thompson, who has often spoken about his love of scouting, was given options. But Murphy said he wasn't forced out.

“It was a decision we made jointly,” Murphy said. “It was something in my mind I think it's going to be good for the organization and Ted.”

Thompson, notoriously media shy, did not attend the news conference.