Packers Fire Coach Mike McCarthy Immediately After Loss to Lowly Cardinals

After coaching 203 regular-season games for the Green Bay Packers with mostly great success, Mike McCarthy was fired immediately following his 204th.

That game, a disheartening 20-17 upset loss to the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field, likely ended what little shot the Packers had at contending for a playoff spot.

Mason Crosby had a shot to tie the game – and possibly save McCarthy’s job – but he missed a field goal as time expired and the Cardinals held on to their slim lead.

Team president Mark Murphy relieved McCarthy of his duties almost immediately following postgame availabilities with the media.

“The 2018 season has not lived up to the expectations and standards of the Green Bay Packers,” Murphy said in a statement. “As a result, I made the difficult decision to relieve Mike McCarthy of his role as head coach, effective immediately. Mike has been a terrific head coach and leader of the Packers for 13 seasons, during which time we experienced a great deal of success on and off the field.

McCarthy ends his time in Green Bay with a final record of 125-77-2 and a 2010 Super Bowl win on his resume.

But he was trending downwards last two seasons, and reports of a rift with his star quarterback have been circulating for weeks.

“We haven’t played very well,” Rodgers said before being told McCarthy was fired. “We all take part in the disappointments and the failures that we’ve had this season. We’ve had a number of opportunities. It’s not like we’re getting blown out in a bunch of games. We’re in games. I hate to repeat myself, but it’s applicable. We’re not executing the right way.”

With McCarthy now out in Green Bay, Joe Philbin will be the interim coach for the Packers for the rest of the season.