Ed Policy has seemingly become the president of the Green Bay Packers in title. He is now the chair of the team’s seven-member executive committee. This transition comes as the organization navigates its leadership structure while aiming to maintain its unique status as the NFL’s only publicly owned team. Now 54, Policy feels he’s just starting to hit his stride. The son of former San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns president Carmen Policy, he’s got big plans to make waves in his new position.
The Packers have 538,967 stockholders, who together own 5,204,625 shares. To prevent any one individual from having too much control, their governance model imposes a cap of 200,000 shares owned by an individual. This structure underscores the team’s commitment to community ownership and engagement, a principle that Policy intends to uphold while refining the organization’s leadership dynamics.
As he begins his tenure, Policy has identified three key priorities: winning football games, keeping the Packers in Green Bay, and strengthening the community. He reiterated the point that every decision he makes in charge of the organization will be made in furtherance of these goals.
“Win football games, number one; keep the Packers in Green Bay, number two; and to strengthen our community, number three,” – Ed Policy
With head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst similarly beginning the season with two years remaining on their respective extensions. Yet, they signed those deals in 2022. LaFleur has been the head coach since 2019, and although Gutekunst took over as general manager in 2018, he has been with the team since 1998. Yet their existing contracts place them on a precarious path. Policy advocated taking a stand against allowing executives to approach their final year of contract without any definite understanding of their path forward.
“I’m generally opposed — I’d never say never — but I’m generally opposed to a coach or GM going into the last year of their contract,” – Ed Policy
He said it needs to be clear to LaFleur and Gutekunst. This clarity will ensure that they are set up to best succeed once they step onto the field. The policy emphasizes regular and transparent lines of communication with a supervisor. It pointedly named Russ Ball, the team’s executive vice president and director of football operations.
“Really, I think it’s important to let them do their jobs. These are exceptional people — all three of them. I’ve got great relationships with them,” – Ed Policy
Since Gutekunst took over as GM, the Packers have gone an astounding 73-42-1. Fifty years on, this incredible success still provides them with one of the highest winning percentages in the league. Many more challenges await as this well-coached and equipped team readies themselves for a grueling and deep southern season.
Furthermore, Policy recognized that building trust and credibility through proven communication pathways is important. The administration of former president Mark Murphy developed a new framework. Now LaFleur, Gutekunst, and Ball all report directly to him, which reportedly helps streamline communication within the organization. Policy does not expect any big changes to this communication structure but is willing to adapt if needed.
“I’d say I even apply them in that order of priority. And so, really, every decision that we make here — to do something or not to do something — will be based on furthering one or more of those purposes,” – Ed Policy
The new chief executive is said to be willing to ruffle some feathers. If tinkering within the current framework established by Murphy can be advantageous for the franchise, they will tinker.
“If that means changing the structure, then we’ll change the structure. Just like Mark was not wedded to the structure that he inherited when he came in, I would say I’m not wedded to the structure. We’ll do whatever is best for the Packers,” – Ed Policy
Policy helped draw clear lines of communication and lines of support between his football operations generals. He stressed his interest in keeping the legacy of the Packers in Green Bay. This type of commitment strikes a deep chord with fans and stakeholders alike that value the team’s distinct identity among the league.
As Ed Policy begins his leadership journey with the Packers, he faces a dual challenge: maintaining a successful football team while honoring the principles of community ownership that define the franchise. Most importantly, LaFleur, Gutekunst and Ball are dedicated to shared vision and accountability. How they choose to navigate this will without question shape the direction of one of sports’ most storied franchises.
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