“Growing Sense” Packers HC Mike McCarthy Could Be Fired

According to Mike Silver of NFL.com, “there’s a growing sense” that Packers HC Mike McCarthy might be replaced, barring a dramatic turnaround this season.

Silver mentions that Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy has taken a more hands-on role since the changes to the team’s front office and it’s possible this could lead to Green Bay moving in a new direction at head coach after the season.

The Packers just suffered a tough loss in Seattle, which included McCarthy deciding to punt on fourth-and-two and never getting the ball back.

On Friday, McCarthy was asked if he’s concerned about his job status on Friday.

“I’m focused on what’s in front of us,” McCarthy said, via ESPN.com. “Every individual on the inside, particularly the football team, we have a 2018 commitment, and that’s all I’ve ever focused on.”

McCarthy said he understands the external expectations for the team.

“That’s the job,” McCarthy said. “That’s the way this business has gone. I’m not going to get into comparables but at the end of the day, that’s part of the job responsibility of the head coach. We set a standard here the past 12 years and it’s our responsibility to play to that standard. That’s the way we approach it, but that’s a blanket, general evaluation. There’s obviously more that goes into that. But at the end of the day, there’s so much that goes into each and every game throughout a seven-day period — obviously we’re on a 10-day stretch here — and that’s really where the energy has to focus.”

The Packers have a new GM in place after elevating Brian Gutekunst as Ted Thompson’s replacement and their head-coaching job should attract some of the top candidates if available.

McCarthy, 55, began his NFL coaching career with the Chiefs back in 1993 as an offensive quality control coordinator. He bounced around with the Packers, Saints and 49ers before the Packers hired him as their head coach in 2006.

During his 13-year tenure in Green Bay, McCarthy has led the Packers to a record of 125-75-2 (62.4 percent), which includes nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 2010.