Rodgers shocked by McCarthy's firing: I hope I wasn't the reason

The Green Bay Packers' decision to fire head coach Mike McCarthy hours after Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals surprised many, including Aaron Rodgers.

"I was as shocked as many of you were, I'm sure," the franchise quarterback told the media Monday.

It's been suggested that a fractured relationship between McCarthy and Rodgers - as well as the team's disappointing 4-7-1 record - contributed heavily to the coach's dismissal.

"I hope that's not the reason," Rodgers said when posed the question. "I think him and I, like any relationship, we have our amazing times, we have our times when we butt heads. But the basis ... was built on mutual respect and communication."

The 14-year veteran had played for McCarthy for the past 13 seasons. He said the reports of their deteriorating relationship were "frustrating" and that the two made an effort to meet more this year than in any other season.

"As much as what was made, conjecture about him and I's relationship, it was always built on mutual respect and communication. That's why this is a different day for myself and the guys in the locker room," he said.

"We accomplished a lot together. We had some incredible moments."

The Packers will move forward with offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as the interim coach for the remainder of the season. Rodgers said he does not need to be involved in the hiring process for the permanent replacement and he doesn't see a problem with learning a new offensive system so late in his career.

"I think my football aptitude, I'm able to adjust if we need to. I've been in the same system for 14 years, so obviously I have a lot of comfort in this, but whoever they bring in, I'm sure will be somebody with their own ideas and we'll adjust accordingly when we get there," he said.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.