Packers DENIED by Vikings to Interview Assistant GM, George Paton

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Jan 6, 2018
AP Photo: Morry Gash

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Ted Thompson recently “stepped down” from his GM position with the Packers. While he transitions to a different role within the organization, Green Bay is actively pursuing his replacement.

In their eyes, one potential candidate is Vikings’ assistant GM, George Paton. Per Friday’s reports, our neighbors to the east requested to interview Paton. Just like Xavier Rhodes does vs. opposing number 1 WRs, we shut their asses down.

#RhodesClosed.

The Packers are in a slump. If this was baseball, they would have been sent back down to the minors, weeks ago. GB needs to work on their fundamentals. Get back to the basics, while enjoying 12 hour bus rides and copious amounts of chewing tobacco.

Anywho, George Paton (pronounced Payton) is currently in his 11th year with the Vikings organization. He has climbed the internal ladder all the way to his current position. As they did previously in Chicago and Miami, Paton and our current GM, Rick Spielman, are working side-by-side.

Around the league, the former UCLA DB is considered to be an up-and-coming executive. He has interviewed for GM positions in the past. Paton was expected by many to be named the 49ers GM last offseason. Ultimately, San Francisco surprised a lot of people by hiring former NFL star, John Lynch.

Spielman’s right-hand-man gets a lot of credit (rightfully so) for helping create a STACKED Vikings roster. A roster that is still going to have plenty of cap space throughout 2018:

If Minnesota wasn’t in the playoffs, we wouldn’t have the right to deny these type of requests. However, as we all know, we’re still very much in the middle of a business operation. As long as the Viking’s season continues, they can continue to block any similar Paton inquiries.

At the end of the day, this all might suck for Paton. It’s human nature to want to advance your career (and pad your bank account). If he was dipping his toes in the water last year, you’d imagine he’s wanting to do it again.

As for the rest of Purple Nation, this is ideal. Let’s hope (sorry George) that Green Bay finds Ted Thompson’s replacement prior to the end of Minnesota’s impressive 2017-18 campaign.

Actually, Minnesota Sports Fan has obtained EXCLUSIVE communication between the Packers non-“ownership” and Rick Spielman (a Packer owner got drunk and passed out near Lambeau. This was found on their phone):


The Moss mooning picture is SO much more powerful than a simple “no.” Solid choice, Rick.

You may be wondering why Minnesota didn’t do the same with the requests to interview OC Pat Shurmur. That’s because different rules apply when wanting to interview assistant coaches in comparison with executives.

In the Shurmer scenario, the Vikings didn’t have the option. As long as the interview takes place during the bye week and is for a job promotion, opposing teams can interview assistant coaches who are off the first week of the playoffs.

Again, the denial doesn’t mean the Packers, or any other team, won’t get a chance at Paton. It just means they won’t be able to do it during this playoff run. Between Shurmur, Paton, and (DC) George Edwards the entire NFC North is sticking their noses in our camp. Dear Packers, Lions, and Bears – Watch your own bobber.

#SKOL

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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