The Green Bay Packers have made the postseason in back-to-back seasons and in five of the last six, so it won’t be surprising if executives under general manager Brian Gutekust, who has completely overhauled the roster in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, start getting the attention of NFL teams in need of modern decision-makers at personal.
In fact, it may happen soon.
At Albert Breer annual “Future NFL Executives” list.three Packers executives on Gutekunst’s staff were recognized: director of football operations Milt Hendrickson, vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan and director of pro personnel Richmond Williams.
Hendrickson joined Gutekunst and the Packers in 2019 after 14 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, which gave him high-level experience in two of the NFL’s top organizations. The Wisconsin native has extensive playing, coaching and scouting experience at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Sullivan has been working in Green Bay since 2004. He spent eight years as a college scout, two years as director of college scouting and currently seven years as executive director of player personnel. Breer remembers Sullivan as the first scout to introduce Gutekunst to Jordan Love.
Williams first came to Green Bay in 2007. He has experience as both a student and professional scout and is currently in his sixth season as director of personnel. His work on the professional side led the Packers to make several massive veteran acquisitions under Gutekunst, both in free agency and during the season.
Several teams have or are expected to have a general manager position in the offseason. The Packers have done a great job of fixing their salary cap issues – mainly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and their desire to keep a veteran team around Rodgers and move to a youthful, inexpensive and talented lineup to start the Jordan Love era.
Will teams look to capitalize on the Packers’ success under Gutekunst? Don’t be surprised if the names Breer mentioned receive interest or interviews for CEO positions during this hiring cycle or in the near future.
