Packers extended Mike McCarthy’s contract during the 2017 season, per report

While heads are rolling left and right at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, details have emerged about a new contract for Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy actually received a one-year contract extension during the 2017 season, according to a report from ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. The extra year will take his contract through the 2019 season, rather than expiring at the end of 2018.

The contract could give McCarthy some measure of stability while the Packers search for a new general manager to replace Ted Thompson. However, depending on the opinions of Thompson’s eventual successor, he could choose to release McCarthy anyway. Since the deal was completed during the season, it likely was done by Thompson himself — though team president Mark Murphy would likely have been at least consulted during the process. (UPDATE: Murphy confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday that he was involved in the extension and that McCarthy will remain the coach for 2018. However, he clarified that Thompson made the final decision.)

What is perhaps the most surprising factor in this report is the timing. Reactions to the reveal of Thompson’s new role on Monday came with rampant speculation about McCarthy’s future with the team. This extension probably exists independent of the decision to relieve Thompson of his duties, as it likely was inked well before Murphy made the final decision to reassign Thompson.

It is worth noting that Ted Thompson was hired in 2005 with Mike Sherman as the head coach, and Thompson gave Sherman an extra year on his contract (through 2006). However, following the 2005 season, Thompson fired Sherman and replaced him with McCarthy. A similar path forward could be possible in 2018, depending of course on the team’s success and progress next season.

Stay tuned for more updates and details from Green Bay.