Looks like there will be a new era in Green Bay now that Ron Wolfe is going to retire. He will be working through the draft with the new general manager Mike Sherman. Wolfe who led the Packers for the depths of the NFC central to two SuperBowls with one victory will be sorely missed. The Packers under Wolf have the best NFL record(83-45) since the start of free agency in 1993. This is an example of Wolfe’s talents as GM.

   Mike Sherman is the first person since Bart Starr to handle both the head coaching and general manager duties in Green Bay. Frankly, I am a little concerned. With only one year of experience, Mike Sherman is still learning to be a head coach. Last season, the Packers won 7 out their last 10 games. With the injuries over the last year that led the Packers to a 9-7 overall record , the word is still out on how well Sherman can coach. Free agency has made player management as big of a chess match as the game on the field. I guess the main issue is whether or any person can handle both duties in the NFL, and lead a team the SuperBowl. Super coach Mike Holmgren now going in to his third year in Seattle has not shown that it can be done. Dan Reeves in Atlanta has had one "fluke” of a season a few years ago, but his team looks like it is heading into the basement again. Bart Starr led the post Lombardi Packers through down years of the 70s even without free agency. Parcells tried to wear both hats with the Jets and decided last season to bring in a head coach for the team.

   In the modern world of high paid players, agents, and attorneys it takes a special type of person to handle the player management of a franchise. I do not believe one person can do both the head coaching and general manager jobs especially someone like Mike Sherman with only one year of NFL head coaching experience. One the bright side Ron Wolfe supports Harlan's decision in this matter and maybe I am too quick to judge the probable success of Sherman. Time will tell the rest of the story.