BREAKING: Packers Just Handed GM Brian Gutekunst Career-Altering News

   

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst addresses the media after the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers selected Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan with the 25th pick. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers are ready to take that next step.  After moving on from Aaron Rodgers in favor of Jordan Love, Green Bay has made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.  They also increased their win total from 9 to 11 in those years.

However, general manager Brian Gutekunst got some troubling news before the start of the season.

Packers Just Handed GM Brian Gutekunst Career-Altering News (Breaking)

Sep 24, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA;  Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

According to new Packers president Ed Policy, head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst won’t be extended before the season:

LaFleur and Gutekunst each have two years remaining on their contracts.

Policy said he is “generally opposed” to the head coach and General Manager working as lame ducks.

 

That means LaFleur and Gutekunst are expected to either have contract extensions this time next year or the Packers will fire them after the 2025 season.

“I think normally, you have a pretty good idea of where that relationship is going when you have two years left — not always, but normally,” Policy said. “But it creates a lot of issues because they also have to hire a staff. . . . Generally speaking, I would avoid lame-duck status. It’s oftentimes difficult on everybody involved, but there are certain situations that probably call for it. So I would not say never.”

Policy takes over as Packers president and CEO on July 25 after Mark Murphy reaches his mandatory retirement age of 70. He has been with the team for 13 seasons and was on the hiring panels for both Gutekunst and LaFleur.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is shown before their game against the Houston Texans Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is shown before their game against the Houston Texans Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“You’ve got three exceptional people doing an exceptional job right now and working well together,” Policy said of LaFleur, Gutekunst and executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball. “I feel very good about all three of those individuals. I love them. I trust them. I respect them. . . . I have terrific relationships, both working and personal, with them.”

Green Bay Packers Brian Gutekunst
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst may be making big moves before the start of the 2024 season.

Here is a look at Gutekunst’s career:

As a staff member / executive:

  • Kansas City Chiefs (1998)
    Scout
  • Green Bay Packers (1999–2011)
    Scout
  • Green Bay Packers (2012–2015)
    Director of college scouting
  • Green Bay Packers (2016–2017)
    Director of player personnel
  • Green Bay Packers (2018–present)
    General manager
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst talks to the media Wednesday during the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst talks to the media Wednesday during the NFL combine in Indianapolis.  Img 0479