Updated: November 20, 2025
- The Packers lost 27-24 to the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football of Week 11
- Green Bay now sits at 4-5-1 and their playoff hopes appear grim
- See the odds on Mike McCarthy losing his head coaching job
Thursday Night Football of Week 11 was basically a must-win for both the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
Background on Mike McCarthy's Coaching Career
Mike McCarthy has had a storied coaching career, especially with the Packers. He took over as head coach in 2006. He led the team to a Super Bowl win in 2011. McCarthy's tenure has seen many playoff appearances and a strong record in the regular season. His offensive plans and leadership style have often been praised. Recent years, however, have brought more criticism.
Both teams entered the week on the outside of the wild card race, in desperate need of a win to keep close. And after the Seahawks took the lead back (27-24) with just over five minutes to play, it seemed almost certain Aaron Rodgers would add another 4th quarter game-winning drive to his resume.
But after their first two plays of the drive saw them pick up eight yards, Rodgers' pass on 3rd-and-2 fell incomplete, and head coach Mike McCarthy opted to punt the ball away with 4:20 left on the clock and only one timeout in their pocket.
Another game.
Another 150+ yards rushing.@DJTheWarrior76 | #GBvsSEA pic.twitter.com/6AHlzKECva— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 16, 2018
Green Bay hadn't been able to slow Seattle's rushing attack all game, and it was the same story to close out the game.
The loss really dampens the Packers' already dwindling playoff hopes at 4-5-1, and McCarthy is facing the brunt of the criticism for the team's struggles. So much so that there is an increasing belief this could be McCarthy's last year on the Packers sideline, and the online sports betting site Betonline has released odds on the matter.
Odds Mike McCarthy is Head Coach of Packers in 2019
| Will McCarthy be HC of GB Week 1 of 2019 | Odds at BetOnline |
|---|---|
| NO | -180 |
| YES | +140 |
*Odds taken 11/17
McCarthy's decision to punt the ball on 4th-and-2 is not the first time one of his decisions has been criticized this year.
Keeping Aaron Jones Sidelined
Mike McCarthy not featuring Aaron Jones earlier this year is like the guy who refused to watch Breaking Bad because everyone talked it up too much.
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) November 16, 2018
In spite of making the most of his limited touches after returning from suspension in Week 3, Mike McCarthy just refused to feature Aaron Jones in the GB backfield.
In-depth Look at 2018 Season Challenges
The 2018 season has been particularly tough for the Packers. Injuries to key players like Aaron Rodgers forced the team to constantly adapt.
The defense struggled to hold leads late in games, causing some major losses. These challenges, along with inconsistent performances from the offensive line, hit the team's ability to dominate the field.
In Jones' first four games of the season, he only received 36 touches even though he was averaging 5.88 yards per carry.
Just look at this run by Aaron Jones pic.twitter.com/ns9SpDNAkg
— Gabriel Schray PXP (@schrayguy) November 11, 2018
The last four weeks have finally seen McCarthy give Jones more opportunities, and the result has been 346 rushing yards on 52 carries (6.65 yards per carry) and 12 receptions for 100 yards (8.33 yards per reception), along with five total TDs.
It's truly puzzling how McCarthy could justify keeping Jones off the field, especially when no other back on the roster was averaging more than 4.0 yards per carry.
Poor Play-Calling and Decision-Making
Fans and analysts aren't the only ones who have found themselves criticizing McCarthy's coaching over the last few seasons, as Aaron Rodgers has also taken openly taken issue with it.
Can't wait for Aaron Rodgers to give Mike McCarthy the Rock Bottom. pic.twitter.com/nsOCDVqz5R
— Mike Cole (@MikeColeNESN) September 24, 2017
Aaron Rodgers' postgame press conference was one big subliminal shot at the Packers' play-calling. pic.twitter.com/6AOymfro11
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) October 1, 2018
#Packers play-calling in 2nd half vs. Seattle some of the worst I’ve seen all year. Brutal clock and timeout management. Zero adjustments for Seattle pass rush. Zero schemed looks to Aaron Jones or MVS. GB route progressions were: 1) Davante Adams or 2) Rodgers off-schedule play.
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) November 16, 2018
Did Mike McCarthy not see the replay? Clear no catch. Easy challenge & reversible call. #GBvsSEA #GreenBayPackers pic.twitter.com/3SZoU7YKux
— Blake Allan (@BlakeAllan93) November 16, 2018
Not sure what’s worse…Mike McCarthy only having 1 timeout at the end of the game…or Mike McCarthy choosing to punt on 4th and 2 knowing he only had 1 timeout at the end of the game.
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) November 16, 2018
Gotta believe Mike McCarthy has six games left as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) November 16, 2018
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Fans and analysts have been vocal about McCarthy's decisions throughout the season. Many have noted his conservative play-calling as a barrier to the team's success.
There is growing sentiment among Packers fans that a change might be necessary. Some believe this could revitalize the team and better use the talent they have.
To have only won one Super Bowl in ten years with a quarterback that too often makes throws like this look easy …
Rodgers pulls the rabbit out of the hat ?
?: FOX #GBvsSEApic.twitter.com/2Max2cPnPe
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 16, 2018
… is simply unacceptable.
Packers' Players' Perspectives
Some players have publicly supported McCarthy, noting his experience and leadership. However, there have been whispers about internal disagreements, especially regarding offensive formations.
Players like Aaron Rodgers have shown frustration on the sidelines, suggesting discord with coaching strategies.
Will McCarthy and the Packers Part Ways?
Historical Team Decisions on Coaching Changes
The Packers have traditionally been careful with coaching changes. The decision to keep or replace McCarthy will consider likely improvement versus midseason disruption.
This careful approach has been a feature of the Packers' leadership strategy in past coaching decisions.
Although the Packers have shown some resistance to cutting the fat in the last decade – see Ted Thompson and Dom Capers – ownership knows Aaron Rodgers is nearly 35 years old and may only have a few more truly great seasons left in the tank.
They have to make the most of them, and it doesn't appear Mike McCarthy is doing that.
I'll take the NO for -180.
The post Odds Say Mike McCarthy Won't be Coaching the Packers in 2019 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/odds-mike-mccarthy-coaching-packers-2019/
