It has been a somewhat quiet week in Packerland, other than the Board meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation with President John Jones, his leave of absence, and making the necessary arrangements to keep CEO Bob Harlan in place despite the team's mandatory age 70 retirement rule. (Oh yeah, there are a series of voluntary team practices underway...more on that in another post.)
Harlan spoke at a news conference on Wednesday and indicated that he personally had seen possible management problems emerge with Jones last fall, but wanted to wait to see if they were resolved with time. They weren't. And other staff members came to Harlan with their concerns, as well. It was at this point that Harlan -- before stepping down as CEO and turning the reigns of the team over to his hand-picked successor, Jones -- decided he must tell the executive committee of the problem. It was then that the executive committee, acting on behalf of the full board of directors, placed Jones on leave. The full board unanimously affirmed the executive committee's decision on Wednesday.
It is still unclear as to exactly what these "management" problems and concerns were. The team made it clear, however, that there were no issues with personal conduct or ethics. What, then? According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "Packers officials have not detailed what Jones did as a team executive that would have caused him to fall from favor. An NFL source has said that questions surfaced on Jones' ability to manage the franchise." That sure narrows it down, doesn't it?
What will become of Jones? Although it is possible he could return to the team it certainly would not be as CEO and might not even be as President. And whether he would want to or not after such a curious and public "leave" action remains to be seen. Look instead to other candidates arising for the positions. Expect the Packers to take their time, too. With Harlan remaining on, there is no rush to fill a job slot. The Packers will want someone with solid NFL experience and in particular an appreciation for what makes the Packers the Packers, and what will keep the team economincally viable; in other words, someone that will fight tooth and nail for continued revenue sharing and salary caps.
Showing posts with label John Jones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Jones. Show all posts
Friday, June 01, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
"Health was not an issue," Harlan says
According to a report in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel of a telephone interview with Packers' CEO, Bob Harlan, the mutually agreed upon leave of absence of incoming CEO John Jones did not have anything to do with health concerns. As Harlan is quoted as saying, speaking to questions about Jones' health, "Health was not an issue."
Harlan reiterated, without really stating it as such, that there were increasing concerns over Jones' management ability. "We started hearing about management issues," Harlan is quoted as saying. According to the article, those concerns were raised by staff members who came to Harlan with their concerns. "In the last three weeks it became very prominent. More than one person brought this to my attention." The issues did not revolve around personal conduct or ethical issues, Harlan said. Details beyond that, however, are still sketchy.
What exactly was raising management concerns at this stage of the transition process from Harlan to Jones may not be known for some time. Or, in a flash of candor from someone in the know, we may also learn what was really going on. For now, it is enough to know that Bob Harlan will continue his capable command. He's earned a well-deserved retirement, no doubt. But first, some more work to be done...which seems to now include finding a new and capable successor.
You can read the article about the interview here.
SPORTS POLL
In an online sports poll as to whether John Jones will return to become CEO of the Packers, more than 96 percent of nearly 1,000 fans at the time of this posting say "No." You can vote here.
Do you think John Jones will eventually return to become CEO of the Packers?
No (96.4%)
Yes (3.6%)
Total votes: 926
Harlan reiterated, without really stating it as such, that there were increasing concerns over Jones' management ability. "We started hearing about management issues," Harlan is quoted as saying. According to the article, those concerns were raised by staff members who came to Harlan with their concerns. "In the last three weeks it became very prominent. More than one person brought this to my attention." The issues did not revolve around personal conduct or ethical issues, Harlan said. Details beyond that, however, are still sketchy.
What exactly was raising management concerns at this stage of the transition process from Harlan to Jones may not be known for some time. Or, in a flash of candor from someone in the know, we may also learn what was really going on. For now, it is enough to know that Bob Harlan will continue his capable command. He's earned a well-deserved retirement, no doubt. But first, some more work to be done...which seems to now include finding a new and capable successor.
You can read the article about the interview here.
SPORTS POLL
In an online sports poll as to whether John Jones will return to become CEO of the Packers, more than 96 percent of nearly 1,000 fans at the time of this posting say "No." You can vote here.
Do you think John Jones will eventually return to become CEO of the Packers?
No (96.4%)
Yes (3.6%)
Total votes: 926
Saturday, May 26, 2007
"Management Concerns" Behind Jones' Leave of Absence
At a press conference today addressing the abrupt leave of absence for incoming CEO John Jones, additional details came to light. Prime among them was that outgoing CEO Bob Harlan apparently approached the Packers' Executive Committee about three weeks ago with concerns over Jones. The concerns, though, according to reports, stretch back several months.
While Jones' own comments on the situation hint that the leave of absence may be for health reasons, the Packers aren't commenting on that. As an employer, they likely can't state anything about that publicly. And if there are other concerns, they may not be able to say anything about that publicly as well, at least at this time.
It is a very curious situation. From what has been said to what hasn't been said, as well as the timing and the fact that Jones is Harlan's hand-picked successor who has been groomed to take over the helm upon Harlan's retirement, which was supposed to be in effect this coming week. As it stands, Harlan will remain in charge until the situation can be remedied one way or another. (Do you think it would just be possible to clone Harlan?)
You can read a fuller account of the goings on here.
While Jones' own comments on the situation hint that the leave of absence may be for health reasons, the Packers aren't commenting on that. As an employer, they likely can't state anything about that publicly. And if there are other concerns, they may not be able to say anything about that publicly as well, at least at this time.
It is a very curious situation. From what has been said to what hasn't been said, as well as the timing and the fact that Jones is Harlan's hand-picked successor who has been groomed to take over the helm upon Harlan's retirement, which was supposed to be in effect this coming week. As it stands, Harlan will remain in charge until the situation can be remedied one way or another. (Do you think it would just be possible to clone Harlan?)
You can read a fuller account of the goings on here.
Harlan's Retirement Delayed: Jones Takes Leave of Absence
Bob Harlan, long-time President and CEO of the Packers, was all set to step into retirement this next week and become Chairman Emeritus. His hand-picked successor, John Jones, was to take over. But now? Not. Or at least, not yet.
According to a press release from the Green Bay Packers "John Jones, president and COO of the Packers, has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons. Peter Platten, speaking on behalf of the organization's Executive Committee, made the announcement Saturday.
'We determined that it would be mutually beneficial for John to take a leave of absence while we continue our evaluation of the situation and collectively determine next steps,' said Platten. 'John will be on leave until the Executive Committee and John conclude that process.'
'It's been a very difficult year but also a wonderful year in many respects,' said Jones. 'I need to step back and recharge my batteries. I will take this leave of absence. The Executive Committee and I mutually agreed that it was in the best interests of the Green Bay Packers to take this step.'
Bob Harlan will continue to serve as the principal executive of the Green Bay Packers for a period of time to be determined, as Chairman of the Board,Platten also announced.
'Everyone knows what a great leader Bob has been for this organization over the past 18 years,' said Platten. 'We are pleased that Bob has agreed to provide leadership continuity for the organization. The Executive Committee has tremendous confidence in Bob and his capable staff.'"
Jones had health problems not that long ago. One has to wonder what the nature of this leave of absence is all about. Stay tuned.
According to a press release from the Green Bay Packers "John Jones, president and COO of the Packers, has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons. Peter Platten, speaking on behalf of the organization's Executive Committee, made the announcement Saturday.
'We determined that it would be mutually beneficial for John to take a leave of absence while we continue our evaluation of the situation and collectively determine next steps,' said Platten. 'John will be on leave until the Executive Committee and John conclude that process.'
'It's been a very difficult year but also a wonderful year in many respects,' said Jones. 'I need to step back and recharge my batteries. I will take this leave of absence. The Executive Committee and I mutually agreed that it was in the best interests of the Green Bay Packers to take this step.'
Bob Harlan will continue to serve as the principal executive of the Green Bay Packers for a period of time to be determined, as Chairman of the Board,Platten also announced.
'Everyone knows what a great leader Bob has been for this organization over the past 18 years,' said Platten. 'We are pleased that Bob has agreed to provide leadership continuity for the organization. The Executive Committee has tremendous confidence in Bob and his capable staff.'"
Jones had health problems not that long ago. One has to wonder what the nature of this leave of absence is all about. Stay tuned.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Harlan's Green and Gold Legacy
As Packers CEO Bob Harlan fast approaches Chairman Emeritus status, 620WTMJ-AM radio in Milwaukee is doing a 5-part series this week entitled "Bob Harlan: a Green and Gold Legacy." You can read part 1 here as well as find links to the audio version of the report.
Harlan, who joined the Packers in 1971 and became President and CEO in 1989, has been instrumental in turning the Packers' fortunes around, no less than Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren. In fact, if it wasn't for Harlan hiring Ron Wolf as GM in 1991...well, we don't even want to think about it. Harlan was also the driving force behind the referendum securing the funding for the renovation of Lambeau Field so that it could be a revenue source 365 days per year instead of just 10 as before. It is Harlan's vision that has placed the Packers on solid financial ground for a long time to come.
Incoming President and CEO John Jones has big shoes to fill. If he is able to accomplish half of what Bob Harlan has the Packers will continue to enjoy the success to which we've all become accustomed.
Harlan, who joined the Packers in 1971 and became President and CEO in 1989, has been instrumental in turning the Packers' fortunes around, no less than Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren. In fact, if it wasn't for Harlan hiring Ron Wolf as GM in 1991...well, we don't even want to think about it. Harlan was also the driving force behind the referendum securing the funding for the renovation of Lambeau Field so that it could be a revenue source 365 days per year instead of just 10 as before. It is Harlan's vision that has placed the Packers on solid financial ground for a long time to come.
Incoming President and CEO John Jones has big shoes to fill. If he is able to accomplish half of what Bob Harlan has the Packers will continue to enjoy the success to which we've all become accustomed.
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