On Monday, the Green Bay Packers officially introduced Brian Gutekunst as their 10th general manager in their prolific team history as the successor to Ted Thompson.
According to the Packers' official team website, Green Bay also promoted Russ Ball as the new executive vice president and director of football operations for the 2018-19 season and beyond. The promotions were announced Monday by Packers President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Murphy.
“We could not be more excited to elevate Brian to the position of general manager,” Murphy said in a press conference held on Monday with the media. “He has earned this opportunity throughout his 19 years with the Packers, proving to not only be a skilled talent evaluator, but a trusted and collaborative leader. His time under the direction of former Packers general managers Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson will undoubtedly serve him well as we work toward our next Super Bowl championship. I am confident that he is the man that will help get us there.”
Eliot Wolf, who currently holds the position of director-football operations and is the son of former Packers legendary general manager Ron Wolf, was perceived as the top candidate for the GM position did not receive a promotion on Monday when the Packers introduced Gutekunst.
Most of Wolf’s experience with the Packers has been in pro scouting, which is why Gutekunst believes he will still have Wolf as his right-hand man going forward.
“We’ve been talking throughout this whole thing,” Gutekunst said. “Like I said, he’s a friend, and we do have a very good relationship. I talked to him multiple times and will continue to and see where it goes.”
Gutekunst and the Packers (7-9) are looking to pursue a more aggressive approach to NFL free agency this upcoming offseason to help head coach Mike McCarthy and superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“Our foundation is going to be the draft, but I think (free agency is) an absolute must as an (additional) piece. We have to be prepared enough to pull the trigger.” Gutekunst said on Monday. “Probably a little bit more aggressive in certain areas…we leave no stone unturned in (going after) player acquisition.”
This should be quite an interesting offseason, Cheeseheads, so be sure to grab some popcorn and stay tuned.
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