The Green Bay Packers have hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach to replace Mike Sherman, who was fired after the season ended. McCarthy was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers this season.

Packers' general manager Ted Thompson believes that McCarthy is the right person for the job.

"We feel very good about our future going forward," Thompson said.

Ironically, McCarthy was the Packers' quarterbacks coach in 1999. This has led to speculation that McCarthy is being brought in to also satisfy Brett Favre, hoping that the legendary Packer comes back for at least one more year.

When McCarthy was Favre's quarterback coach though, he threw 23 interceptions to 22 touchdowns. However, since Favre usually does what he wants, it's doubtful that McCarthy really affected Favre that much. Favre has given off hints that the organization's offseason moves may influence his decision to stay with the Packers or retire.

After leaving the Packers in 1999, McCarthy joined the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2004 as their offensive coordinator. His days with the 49ers only lasted one season.

The Packers also interviewd Maurice Carthon of the Browns, Tim Lewis of the Giants, Sean Payton of the Cowboys, Wade Phillips of the Chargers, Ron Rivera of the Bears, and Jim Bates, the defensive coordinator of the Packers.