Packers GM surprised initially by not having authority over head coach

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had major shoes to fill after taking his new role, and initially, he wasn't aware of one important detail.

Gutekunst, who was promoted from director of player personnel to general manager while replacing Ted Thompson, didn't realize he lacked the authority to fire the team's head coach. Packers president Mark Murphy retained that power during the team's restructuring, unbeknownst to Gutekunst, who recently spoke about his transition.

"It was certainly different than what I've been exposed to here in Green Bay," Gutekunst said to PackersNews.com. "I needed some time to kind of process it. I think the thing to me that made it OK with me was the people. The relationships I already had with Mark [Murphy] and Mike McCarthy and Russ Ball. I think that's what made it OK and made it easier for me. But it was certainly something I hadn't seen or been a part of in my professional career."

"It was something I wasn't expecting but I'm pretty happy with where we're at with it now," he added.

It appears Gutekunst has moved on and is looking to get the Packers back to the playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time since 2008.

- with h/t to NFL.com

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