Mike McCarthy’s 13-year tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers is over, but the players sent him off with a round of applause.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, McCarthy returned to address the team one final time Wednesday and received a standing ovation.
“Obviously, we gave him the respect he deserved and sending him off with some final words,” said veteran defender Clay Matthews.
During his time as the head coach, Green Bay reached the playoffs nine times, won six NFC North titles and celebrated one Super Bowl victory.
However, the relationship between star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy slowly deteriorated, leading to his dismissal. Green Bay is just 4-8 this season, and the offense lacks any vision or creativity.
Moving on from McCarthy will allow the Packers to craft a direction with new leadership. The fresh outlook should benefit a roster that requires a mini-rebuild around Rodgers.
Disappointed though Green Bay should be with McCarthy’s final years, it was a classy move to give the longtime coach a moment of closure with his players.