Zero2Cool
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This is from PFT.com
As we continue to scrutinize the credentials of new Packers head Mike McCarthy, who hardly could have been characterized as a hot candidate for any head coaching jobs north of the Tony Mandarich Middle School, we're wondering whether a real-world phenomenon known as protecting one's turf contributed to the decision of G.M. Ted Thompson to pull the trigger on McCarthy.
It's no secret that some coaches are drawn to the possibility of grabbing power. In an organization with a strong G.M., a coach with such aspirations could cause serious problems.
And it can come in many forms. Several years ago, for example, Jets coach Herm Edwards undermined G.M. Terry Bradway by simply refusing to use the guys Bradway had signed. Also, although the Packers don't have a true owner, there are plenty of Board members with whom an aspiring coach can try to curry favor in order to carry more clout.
In McCarthy, however, Thompson gets a head coach who is merely happy to be in the job that he has. Actually, McCarthy should be tinkled ten shades of fluorescent pink.
In six seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator, his teams have been to the playoffs one time. It's hardly the fast track to the "A" list.
So McCarthy will never display his gratitude by undermining Thompson.
Think back four years. Rich McKay was the G.M. of the Bucs. Ownership wanted to hire Jon Gruden, who at the time was coaching the Raiders. McKay wanted Marvin Lewis, a defensive coordinator who had yet to get an opportunity at the next level.
We believed at the time, and still believe today, that McKay wanted Lewis because Lewis would respect McKay's territory -- and that McKay didn't want Gruden because McKay knew that Gruden would try to grab power.
And grab power Gruden did, rendering McKay an empty suit until he left for Atlanta.
Want more proof that Thompson was looking for a guy who would defer to the G.M.? Of the seven candidates he interviewed, only one has experience as an NFL head coach -- Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. And Phillips hasn't been a head coach, but for a cup of coffee in Atlanta after Dan Reeves was fired, since 2000.
We're not knocking McCarthy. We've never believed that success as a coordinator translates to success as a head coach. Whether relative mediocrity does remains to be seen.
But one thing Thompson won't have to worry about is loyalty. McCarthy will be a very good soldier, and Thompson will get plenty of credit and praise, likely from McCarthy himself, if things turn around for the Pack.
If they don't, then McCarthy can take the blame. It's the least he can do for the guy who gave him a chance that, objectively speaking, he didn't deserve
As we continue to scrutinize the credentials of new Packers head Mike McCarthy, who hardly could have been characterized as a hot candidate for any head coaching jobs north of the Tony Mandarich Middle School, we're wondering whether a real-world phenomenon known as protecting one's turf contributed to the decision of G.M. Ted Thompson to pull the trigger on McCarthy.
It's no secret that some coaches are drawn to the possibility of grabbing power. In an organization with a strong G.M., a coach with such aspirations could cause serious problems.
And it can come in many forms. Several years ago, for example, Jets coach Herm Edwards undermined G.M. Terry Bradway by simply refusing to use the guys Bradway had signed. Also, although the Packers don't have a true owner, there are plenty of Board members with whom an aspiring coach can try to curry favor in order to carry more clout.
In McCarthy, however, Thompson gets a head coach who is merely happy to be in the job that he has. Actually, McCarthy should be tinkled ten shades of fluorescent pink.
In six seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator, his teams have been to the playoffs one time. It's hardly the fast track to the "A" list.
So McCarthy will never display his gratitude by undermining Thompson.
Think back four years. Rich McKay was the G.M. of the Bucs. Ownership wanted to hire Jon Gruden, who at the time was coaching the Raiders. McKay wanted Marvin Lewis, a defensive coordinator who had yet to get an opportunity at the next level.
We believed at the time, and still believe today, that McKay wanted Lewis because Lewis would respect McKay's territory -- and that McKay didn't want Gruden because McKay knew that Gruden would try to grab power.
And grab power Gruden did, rendering McKay an empty suit until he left for Atlanta.
Want more proof that Thompson was looking for a guy who would defer to the G.M.? Of the seven candidates he interviewed, only one has experience as an NFL head coach -- Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. And Phillips hasn't been a head coach, but for a cup of coffee in Atlanta after Dan Reeves was fired, since 2000.
We're not knocking McCarthy. We've never believed that success as a coordinator translates to success as a head coach. Whether relative mediocrity does remains to be seen.
But one thing Thompson won't have to worry about is loyalty. McCarthy will be a very good soldier, and Thompson will get plenty of credit and praise, likely from McCarthy himself, if things turn around for the Pack.
If they don't, then McCarthy can take the blame. It's the least he can do for the guy who gave him a chance that, objectively speaking, he didn't deserve
