Packers CEO Mark Murphy Addresses Ted Thompson’s Departure As GM

After 13 years, Ted Thompson is out as general manager of the Green Bay Packers, but will remain as senior adviser of football operations.

It’s a big change after one of the league’s most successful teams missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the first time since 2008.

The Packers (7-9) announced the move Tuesday.

During a press conference Tuesday, Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy announced that Thompson would remain general manager of the Packers until a replacement has been hired.

Murphy dismissed rumors that the team’s board of directors told Murphy to boot Thompson as general manager.

“There’s absolutely no truth to the story that I was directed by the board to make a change,” Murphy said. “Our board doesn’t work that way.”

As to why Thompson is moving, Murphy said he and Thompson talked last year when Thompson expressed an interest in being more involved in scouting. Jump to the end of this season and Thompson brought it up again.

“He’s a scout at heart. He loves it; and so that really kind of moved us toward transitioning to a different role: the senior adviser,” Murphy said.

Thompson will report to the new GM, which the team is working with headhunter Jed Hughes of Korn Ferry to find. Murphy said he will make the final decision on the new GM.

“We want to move quickly, but we also want to make sure we get the right person,” Murphy said. “Ultimately, the goal is to win championships.”

Thompson was not at the news conference, but the Packers issued the following statement Tuesday:

“It’s been a great honor to serve as the Green Bay Packers’ general manager for the past 13 years. This is a special place, and we’ve had some success along the way, but it’s the relationships that I value most. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many dedicated people throughout the organization, and I can’t thank Mark Murphy, Mike McCarthy, the football-operations staff and our scouts enough for their friendship and support,” said Thompson. “Additionally, I want to thank every player that has stepped on the field for us. This is the players’ game and I appreciate all the sacrifices they have made for the Packers. I look forward to supporting this team in my new role as we strive to win another championship.”

Green Bay lost its season finale 35-11 Sunday to the Detroit Lions. Several players spoke about the transition as they cleaned out their lockers Tuesday.

Kicker Mason Crosby, one of the longest-tenured players, said he “hoped the new guy likes what he sees.”

Veteran safety Morgan Burnett said he respected Thompson and what he did to build the team and wished him the best.

The Packers’ Super Bowl victory in 2010 marked the highlight of Thompson’s 13-year tenure.

The news of Thompson’s move comes at a time when Dom Capers, longtime defensive coordinator, is also leaving.

As for head coach Mike McCarthy’s future, that was decided by Thompson and Murphy during the season. McCarthy’s contract was extended through 2019, and McCarthy, who Murphy said “is our man,” will work with the new GM.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 3:54 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 with additional reporting by WPR.