si.com story might've forced the issue

"Ask Vic" will publish on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the football season.

Michael from West Des Moines, IA
Well, they did it. Why now?
I think the si.com story forced the issue. As I was reading it, I was struck by the number of leaks. My reporter's instincts said, "Uh oh."

Rod from Summerfield, NC
Well, the wolves won. It is unfortunate McCarthy's tenure was handled in this manner. I expected more from the Green Bay organization. I am now suspicious this was in the plans since Ted retired. Is it your opinion Aaron will be a part of the hiring process for the next head coach?
Players hiring coaches? It would be the ultimate in jockocracy. Not even Howard Cosell could have imagined it.

Kabir from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
What must the next head coach of the Packers bring to the team McCarthy did not have?
The next coach must have Aaron Rodgers' cooperation. The si.com story painted an ugly picture of a coach and a quarterback who were not pulling in the same direction. The next coach must be a consensus builder, especially when it comes to Rodgers.

John from Paxton, IL
Do you think this team quit on McCarthy and forced Murphy to make this move?
I think the si.com story made Mike McCarthy a lame duck coach, and players won't play for a lame duck coach.

Joe from St. Paul, MN
So much for harmony. I suppose we all knew this was coming but I'm surprised it was done before the end of the season. It feels like a very undignified way to say goodbye to a man who had treated his position with dignity during his time here.
I don't have a problem with how it was done. If the decision was made, then get it done. It's best for McCarthy that way. He'll now have a chance to rest, recuperate and achieve perspective as he begins considering his next move.

Kurt from Mariposa, CA
It seems like a very reactionary decision to fire Coach McCarthy after the loss. What benefits are there to making the decision with four games left?
It quiets the wolves. Now, there is peace. Nobody wants to live and work in angst and uncertainty. It's not a good environment for players to learn their craft and to prepare for the next game. Fans have tremendous power. The howl has cost many a man his job.

Kent from Pella, IA
Terry Bradshaw was very pointed in the postgame show last night, saying, "Aaron Rodgers, it's your birthday. You've turned a year older and you got your coach fired. Congratulations." He said he'd feel terrible if anyone ever associated him with getting Chuck Noll fired. Given your history with both teams, how do you feel about Terry's perspective?
They're harsh words. They're a product of the si.com story. The story was a killer. As I read it, I kind of knew Mark Murphy had to decide between McCarthy and Rodgers. It was one or the other, not both, and when your quarterback is nearly $60 million in dead cap money, the choice becomes rather simple. Rodgers' new contract was the beginning of the end for the Packers as we've known them for a very long and a very good time.

Julian from Menasha, WI
Shouldn't Rodgers be tilting the field?
Mystiques die hard.

Ron from Boise, ID
The Packers' road to the playoff is shut down. Do players play for new contracts?
The players need to play for the tape because the Packers' roster is going to undergo major change in the offseason.

Curt from Portland, OR
Vic, everyone is always trying to ascribe prophetic significance to phrases coming from Aaron Rodgers’ mouth. Maybe this year’s phrase came after the Monday night win against the 49ers when he looked at the tough schedule ahead and said, “We’re gonna find out what kind of team we are.” I guess we know, yeah?
If the Packers didn't already know what kind of team they were, why did they make all of those changes in the offseason? They knew, and I think Rodgers did, too.

Johan from Pembroke, ON
Do you believe the talent on the Packers is really that bad? What do your eyes tell you when they can't even beat a two-win team and converted only three of 14 third-down attempts?
The Packers were out-rushed 182-98 by a Cardinals team that was No. 32 in rushing and No. 30 in rush defense. That's what concerns me.

Craig from Anchorage, AK
The Packers losing at Lambeau in December to a 2-9 dome team forced Murphy's hand. Am I right?
I believe the si.com story that detailed the depth of McCarthy's and Rodgers' failed coach/quarterback relationship forced Mark Murphy's hand. The loss to the Cardinals made it the right time to do the deed. What intrigues me the most about the si.com story are all of the leaks. Somebody had a plan.

​Roger from Auburn, CA
Seems like a fitting way for the Packers' season to end! Thoughts about where they go from here?
New coach, new ways, new hope. The offseason will be full of excitement and anticipation. That's what everybody loves about firing a coach following a losing season. The new coach will be better. He'll call better plays.