Rodgers won’t have say on Pack coach
The next coach of the Packers will be hired by team president Mark Murphy, who also made the decision to fire Mike McCarthy after the stunning loss to the lowly Cardinals.
General manager Brian Gutekunst will be heavily involved, along with a committee, though Murphy will make the decision.
“We have history and tradition. The resources we have available for coaches — it’s an attractive job,” Murphy said.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is free to provide input, though Murphy said that the two-time league MVPwill not be part of the process.
The decision was announced after coaches and players met with the media following the 20-17 loss that dropped Packers to 4-7-1. It appeared that most players had already left Lambeau Field by that point, with many Packers saying they had learned on social media or through texts.
Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is the interim coach.
Panthers shakeup: Panthers coach Ron Rivera will take over defensive play calls from coordinator Eric Washington following the team’s four-game skid.
The Panthers also fired defensive line coach Brady Hoke and assistant secondary/cornerbacks coach Jeff Imamura. The moves were announced after Rivera met with new owner David Tepper and GM Marty Hurney.
Washington will remain defensive coordinator but will oversee the front seven.
Extra points: In the wake of RB Kareem Hunt’s release, the Chiefs re-signed RB Charcandrick West to serve as backup to Spencer Ware. West played the last three seasons with the Chiefs. Hunt went unclaimed on waivers and now is a free agent. ... The Chargers released T Joe Barksdale a day after he was a late scratch from the team’s 33-30 victory over the Steelers due to personal reasons.