McCarthy set to address media
Packers coach Mike McCarthy has stepped to the podium for his press conference. We will bring you updates on what he says in his first meeting with the media since the firings of eight assistant coaches.
* It was very difficult decision to fire his assistants. He put a lot of time and thought into the decision. It came down to he didn't feel they were heading in the right direction. Things that occurred in Year 1 showed up again in Year 3.
* Dom Capers will be a good fit because he brings credibility. He had a thorough interview.
* The Packers' starting point will be the 3-4 formation on defense. It creates problems for the offense. The Packers will use both four-man and three-man fronts.
* Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins will fit well in the Packers' new defense.
* One of the priorities was hiring someone with defensive coordinator experience.
* Winston Moss will continue in his position as linebackers coach and assistant head coach.
* It was McCarthy's decision to fire his assistants. He kept Ted Thompson abreast of the situation, but Thompson had no problem changing to the 3-4.
* Shawn Slocum is an excellent coach and the best choice for special teams coach. Slocum will bring his own unique style and approach and isn't a clone of former special teams coach Mike Stock. It's important for Slocum to put his blueprint on the job.
* Capers is the best fit for the organization, although he didn't answer whether he offered the job to someone else first.
* The blueprint for the off-season program will be very similar, even though strength and conditioning coordinator Rock Gullickson. He said it was similar to the situation on defense, and he was looking for improvement. "Are we moving forward. Is there growth?" were questions McCarthy asked.
* Mark Lovat is one of five finalists for the strength and conditioning coordinator.
* A change in direction in the program was needed and he doesn't see it as an act of desperation to fire so many assistants.
* His view of how he attacks his job will be the same.
* It was an evaluation period that went on. Felt it was in best interest of program to make changes.
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-- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com