Thompson Promotes Wolf and Gutekunst

[Mark87]

Boca Raton – In a sign that Packers GM Ted Thompson is thinking about the team's future without him in the front office, he has promoted two key members of his personnel department, Eliot Wolf and Brian Gutekunst.

Wolf, the son of former general manager Ron Wolf, was promoted for the fourth time since Thompson took over in 2005.

This time, he is going from director of player personnel to director of football operations. The Packers did not release a description of what Wolf's duties would now entail, but Thompson was set to speak with reporters at the NFL owners meetings here at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.

Wolf, who turned 34 today, is the third-highest ranking official on the football side behind Thompson and Russ Ball, vice president of football administration/player finance. Wolf originally joined the Packers as a pro personnel assistant in 2004. He was promoted to assistant director of pro personnel in 2008, to assistant director of player personnel in 2011 and director of player personnel a year ago.

Wolf drew some interest this off-season from teams looking for general managers, but his age worked against him.

Gutekunst is going from director of college scouting to director of player personnel.

The promotions are a clear sign that the 63-year-old Thompson is thinking about a succession plan. Thompson has three years remaining on the contract extension he signed after the 2014 season and appears to be both rewarding Wolf and Gutekunst for their work and setting them up to possibly replace him.

Packers president Mark Murphy said Sunday that he and Thompson had discussed a succession plan, but that he didn't want to divulge what was said. He has not said that Thompson is thinking about retiring, but after Ron Wolf left in 2001, the Packers had to scramble some to find a replacement.

"We have a plan," Murphy said. "I think we’re all proud of the success we’ve had on a consistent basis. Yes, we’re disappointed we haven’t won more Super Bowls but it’s hard to win the NFL. I have great confidence in Ted and Mike and the working relationship that they have."

Thompson appears to be setting up Wolf to be the next general manager, but that isn't a given.

It's possible he will suggest that Ball become the general manager and Wolf the top personnel man. Ball would be able to make the same personnel and financial decisions Thompson makes, but Wolf would be in charge of all scouting matters.

Another possiblity is that he is putting Ball, Wolf and Gutekunst in position to interview for the GM job and will let Murphy make the decision which one should get the job. It's likely Thompson would want to protect the legacy of both he and Wolf and would do everything he can to make sure there's a smooth transition when he leaves.

Interesting moves but by promoting them you make it uber difficult for other teams to poach them without it being a full GM role. It also allows them to learn more of the business without having the GM "title" in GB.

I still think TT waits it out until 65 retires and than takes a "consulting/scouting" role somewhere.