"He's not going to be a part of the process": When Packers shut out Aaron Rodgers after Mike McCarthy's firing

NFL great Aaron Rodgers has had a successful career in the league. However, his 19-year-long career has been marred with multiple controversies, including his beef with former teammates and coaches.

The most notable among these controversies is the axing of Green Bay Packers' former HC, Mike McCarthy, in 2018.

The QB-HC duo had a toxic relationship over the course of 13 years of their togetherness, as reported by some players. Hence, A-Rod is often accused of acting as a catalyst behind McCarthy’s firing in 2018. But the four-time NFL MVP got a sigh when team president Mark Murphy clarified the situation. ESPN reported in Dec, 2018:

“Obviously, he's [Aaron Rodgers] free to provide input and talk to us," Murphy added. "But he's not going to be a part of the process. ... The other thing I would say is Aaron was no part at all in the decision to move on from Mike.”

Aaron Rodgers refuses to respond to the accusations

It must have come as a relief to the veteran quarterback who was repeatedly under multiple accusations for the axing. After all, Rodgers had reasons to have some beef with his former coach.

A-Rod’s dispute with McCarthy began in 2005, when he was drafted to the Green Bay Packers instead of the San Francisco 49ers. Their relationship worsened when McCarthy made some sweeping changes to the staff, including axing QB coach Alex van Pelt, who was close to him. Packers also parted ways with Rodgers' close friend, Jordy Nelson.

So, when Rodgers was confronted about the rumors of his involvement, he told ESPN:

"I don't have a reaction to that," Rodgers continued. "I don't need to respond to every pundit out there. I don't know how many times I've got to stand here and tell you. I don't feel like I need to convince anybody about Mike's and I's relationship.”

Aaron Rodgers isn't involved in the selection process of HC

After McCarthy’s firing, the next task on hand was to hire a replacement as soon as possible since the Packers had only four games left in the season. Murphy instead relied on GM Brian Gutekunst, who played a significant role.

Interim coach Joe Philbin was considered a front-line runner for the role, but defensive coordinator Mike Pettine wasn’t considered, as per Murphy.

Responding to the situation, Rodgers said:

“I think that those are decisions that will happen down the line, and right now, I'm just focused on these next four games and the direction we're going with Joe.

“I've had conversations with them like I've had with Ted over the years. I'm not needing to be involved in that process.”

In the end, Matt LaFleur was selected in 2019, who led the Packers to a 13-3 record the next season.