Packers seek new GM, shift Thompson’s role
One of the NFL’s model franchises for stability is undergoing a rare shift. The Packers will begin a search for a new general manager as Ted Thompson shifts to a new role within the organization, according to multiple outlets.
Thompson has served as the Packers’ GM since 2005, with the team making the playoffs in nine of the 13 seasons with him at the helm. But after a broken collarbone sidelined quarterback Aaron Rodgers for much of the season, the Packers finished 7- 9, their worst record since Rodgers’ first year as the starter in 2008.
Thompson was known for a conservative approach to free agency. He seldom spent on outside talent, prioritizing the draft.
Also announced Monday, the Packers fired defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who had held the position since 2009.
Lions fire Caldwell
Jim Caldwell might have been the Lions’ most successful coach in the Super Bowl era. That wasn’t enough to save his job.
The Lions fired Caldwell after a season in which the team raised hopes before missing the playoffs with a 9- 7 record. Owner Martha Firestone Ford called Caldwell “one of the finest leaders we’ve ever had as our head coach.”
Caldwell was 36- 28 in four seasons and went 0- 2 in two postseasons with the Lions. General manager Bob Quinn said he wants a coach to take the team to the next level. Quinn added that he fired Caldwell, in part, because he thought the team was capable of winning more than nine games in each of the last two seasons.
Cardinals’ Arians to retire
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, one of the NFL’s biggest personalities, is retiring after fivemostly successful and usually entertaining seasons with the team. The 65- year- old said a big reason for retiring was his family. Arians recalled last summer, when he was talking to his wife, Christine, she told him their son Jake was turning 40. “It hit me like a ton of bricks that Imissed all that time,” Arians said.
Broncos keep Joseph
Broncos general manager John Elway tweeted that he’ll stick with coach Vance Joseph despite a 5- 11 record that included an eight- game losing streak. The decision came after reports that Elway might be in search of his fourth coach in five years. But in his tweet, Elway said that he believed in Joseph and that together they would put in the work to win in 2018.
Bengals’ Lewis in limbo
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis talked to owner Mike Brown about Lewis’ future with the team, but they reached no conclusions and planned more discussions. The Bengals failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and Lewis’ contract is finished after his 15th year in Cincinnati. Lewis said he has no interest in moving into a front- office job.