The Packers have extended the contract of head coach Mike McCarthy through the 2019 season. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, as broken by Adam Schefter.

What this means for the next Packers general manager

With McCarthy under contract for two more seasons, the next Packers’ general manager presumably will not have the option of selecting their own coach, which could be a deal breaker for some candidates.

Generally speaking, new general managers prefer to fill the organization with “their guys” from top to bottom, and having a head coach in place eliminates one key philosophical decision.

However, if the next general manager is an internal hire, that may not matter. Presumably, most of the top brass in the Packers organization were on board with the decision to extend McCarthy’s contract, especially since it was done in season. If the Packers do go with an internal candidate to replace Ted Thompson, it’s unlikely that they would have any qualms about McCarthy’s role as head coach.

But still, it could be a little galling for the next person in the job to have a key decision like this taken out of their hands. The timing of this story is interesting, if only because it could be seen as being in conflict with the wishes of the next general manager. If the Packers do hire an internal candidate, expect them to make a statement in support of McCarthy early on.

Extension doesn’t guarantee security

When Ted Thompson was hired as general manager in January 2005, current Packers head coach Mike Sherman was entering the final year of his contract.

Because Sherman held both general manager and head coach titles before Thompson’s arrival, it was anticipated their relationship may be strained as new general managers prefer to hire their own head coaches.

Nevertheless, the two sides agreed to an extension during 2006’s training camp that added an extra year to Sherman’s current deal. Unfortunately, Sherman was relieved as head coach following the team’s 2006 disappointing 4-12 season.

McCarthy’s extension could be seen as putting him in a similar situation. Though the next Packers’ general manager may not hire a new head coach right away, McCarthy’s extension does not preclude a move in the near future. He has security for the short term, but McCarthy will be in the crosshairs for the 2018 season.