Packers CEO Sent Perfect Rejection Letter to Fan Who Applied for Defensive Coordinator Role

Green Bay executive Mark Murphy made this fan's day.

Nearing the end of his decades-long reign, Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy is still winning fans over with his kindness.

When one ambitious Packers fan applied for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position earlier this offseason, Murphy turned him down with the nicest rejection letter possible.

Bill Port, the fan who sent Murphy a cover letter and resume in a half-joking attempt to secure the then-open DC job, received a personalized handwritten letter from the Packers CEO, according to Richard Ryman of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

In the most gracious fashion, Murphy politely rejected Port and suggested that he take a look at the Chicago Bears’ job openings instead.

Murphy wrote:

“Bill,

Thanks so much for your cover letter and resume regarding our defensive coordinator position. While your fantasy football experience is impressive, I regret to inform you that we have decided to go in a different direction. I hear the Bears have an opening—you look to be a perfect fit for them. Thanks again.

Sincerely—Mark.”

Port cited winning fantasy football titles and playing football in high school as relevant job experience and added that he would “prefer weekends off.” He also apparently applied for the team's head coaching position before Green Bay brought on Matt LaFleur in 2019.

Jokes aside, Port received an unforgettable rejection letter from the Packers president who kindly gave him the time of day. Green Bay ultimately hired former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as its defensive coordinator instead.

Murphy, who has served as Packers president and CEO since 2007, is set to retire in July 2025 when he turns 70, the mandatory retirement age at his position as written in the organization’s by-laws. The Packers announced they were starting the process of finding Murphy’s replacement on Wednesday.