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GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers signed coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday to a five-year contract that runs through the 2012 season.
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"We have accomplished some of our goals over the past two seasons, but there remains much left to be done," McCarthy said in a statement. "I am excited by the opportunity to meet those challenges and someday return another Lombardi Trophy home to Green Bay."
McCarthy, who had a year left on his original three-year deal, reportedly agreed in principle last month to the new contract, which is worth about $4 million per season.
"Mike brings tremendous passion, work ethic and structure to his position," general manager Ted Thompson said. "These are the traits we saw in him when he was hired, and we're very happy for the success we have had under his guidance."
McCarthy, who signed the deal without using an agent, said the paperwork on his new contract was completed Monday before being announced Tuesday.
"I think it's great to have five years to continue to reach our goal," McCarthy said.
McCarthy, the franchise's 14th head coach, tied a Packers' franchise record with 13 regular-season victories on the way to an NFC North Division championship and bye in the first round of the playoffs despite having the NFL's youngest team.
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| McCarthy says he likes sharing power with GM Ted Thompson. (AP) |
"It's only natural to say, 'My goodness, that should have been us,"' McCarthy said. "They're a perfect example of playing their best football when it counts."
Both sides had hoped to get a contract done before the Super Bowl. Negotiations slowed because Thompson was on the road scouting, while McCarthy was preparing his team in the playoffs.
The 44-year-old McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, has won 18 of his last 22 games after getting off to a 4-8 start in his first season as head coach in 2006. He said he likes the way the organization is set up and didn't seek additional power regarding player personnel moves.
"That's something I did not desire at this point. I think structure, lines of responsibilities, organization charts are very important to any successful operation," McCarthy said. "I think the fit between Ted Thompson and myself and the way we're structured with our personnel department and coaching staff, the way they work hand-in-hand. I think it's an extremely healthy situation."
McCarthy also said he'd check in with Brett Favre this week. The annual rite of winter in Wisconsin, Favre and McCarthy talk about every seven to 10 days until the three-time MVP makes a decision whether to return for an 18th season or retire.
"He's going to take a couple weeks to think about it," McCarthy said. "As I've stated before, it's more of a personal issue as far as if you're going to come back as opposed to professional. I think he clearly shows, clearly shown that he still has a lot of football left in his tank."