Cubs' Craig Counsell 'Thrilled' Over Brewers' Pat Murphy Contract Extension

Former Brewers manager Counsell reacts positively to his ex-colleague's new deal in Milwaukee.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who is now the manager of the Chicago Cubs, expressed his delight over the Brewers' decision to extend the contract of current manager Pat Murphy. Counsell and Murphy have a mutual respect despite managing rival teams in the competitive NL Central division.

Why it matters

The Brewers-Cubs rivalry has intensified since Counsell left Milwaukee to join the Cubs, with Brewers fans often booing him when the teams meet. However, the two managers seem to maintain a professional relationship, and Counsell's positive reaction to Murphy's extension suggests there is still respect between the two despite managing competing teams.

The details

Counsell, who managed the Brewers from 2015-2023 before joining the Cubs in 2024, was asked about his thoughts on the Brewers' decision to extend Murphy's contract for three more years. Counsell responded by saying he is "thrilled" for his former colleague, indicating there is no bad blood between the two managers despite their teams' rivalry.

  • On February 20, 2026, the Brewers announced a three-year contract extension for manager Pat Murphy.

The players

Craig Counsell

The current manager of the Chicago Cubs, who previously managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 2015-2023.

Pat Murphy

The current manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, who recently signed a three-year contract extension with the team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled for him. Thrilled.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (USA Today)

What’s next

The NL Central race between the Brewers and Cubs is expected to be highly competitive this season, with both teams vying for the division title.

The takeaway

Despite the intense rivalry between the Brewers and Cubs, the two managers, Craig Counsell and Pat Murphy, seem to maintain a professional and respectful relationship, as evidenced by Counsell's positive reaction to Murphy's contract extension in Milwaukee.