GREEN BAY -- For the first time in 65 years, the Packers are ending the season with a different head coach than they started with.
Fans in Green Bay were disappointed Monday morning after losing to a two-win Arizona Cardinals team. However, most are optimistic with Mike McCarthy getting fired after the game.
"You lose to a 2-9 team, you kind of have to go," Bryan Jackson of Mankato, Minn. said. "I loved him, but I think it was time."
The same sentiment was shared by many Packers fans outside Lambeau Field. The lack of winning by McCarthy recently was made more apparent as they stood for photos near Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau.
"We're happy," Dennis Manuell of Flagstaff, Arizona said. "Hated to see the Packers lose again but happy to see a coaching change and maybe a new era."
That new era will be run by Joe Philbin in the interim. But the thoughts of what could be have fans excited for the future. A change after 13 seasons has awoken their spirits.
"They need a change," Kristy Manuell of Flagstaff, Ariz. said. "They need their fire back. They're just kind of out there playing but, I mean, they're the Green Bay Packers."
According to ESPN Stats & Info, this is only the second time a Super Bowl winning coach has been fired mid-season. So while change feels necessary for fans, they are grateful for what Mike McCarthy brought this team.
"I loved what he did for the organization," Tom Lichtblau of St. Paul, Minnesota said. "Won us a Super Bowl in 2010. That was one of the greatest moments in my life."
"I was thinking more towards the end of the season," Ken Procter of Decorah, Iowa said. "That's the business. You have to have winners. He's been a good coach over the years but it's his time to go. Most coaches aren't around with a team for as long."
"Great coach, great guy," Bruce Rogers of Goshen, Indiana said. "Ran a great program. Took us to the Super Bowl. Lot of great years here. I hope he finds a place that he's really successful."
Packers President and CEO, Mark Murphy will address the media Monday at 1:45 p.m. Stay with Today's TMJ-4 for the latest on this news.
