Longtime Packers President Bob Harlan Dies at 89

Harlan was instrumental in hiring GMs who led the team to multiple Super Bowl wins.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 1:12am

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Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers who was responsible for hiring the general managers that led the team to Super Bowl victories in 1996 and 2010, has died at the age of 89 after a brief illness. Harlan first joined the Packers organization in 1971 and was elected president and CEO in 1989, leading the team through a period of sustained success.

Why it matters

Harlan's tenure as Packers president was marked by key hires that transformed the franchise into a perennial Super Bowl contender. His leadership and vision helped restore the Packers to their former glory and ensure the long-term success of the iconic NFL franchise.

The details

During Harlan's tenure as president, he hired Ron Wolf as general manager in 1991, who then brought in head coach Mike Holmgren and traded for quarterback Brett Favre. This led to the Packers winning the Super Bowl in 1996. Harlan later hired Ted Thompson as GM in 2005, who built the team that won the Super Bowl in 2010. Harlan was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2004 and had a plaza named after him at Lambeau Field.

  • Harlan first joined the Packers organization in 1971.
  • Harlan was elected president and CEO of the Packers in 1989.
  • Harlan hired Ron Wolf as GM in 1991.
  • The Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996 under Harlan's leadership.
  • Harlan hired Ted Thompson as GM in 2005, leading to the Packers' Super Bowl win in 2010.
  • Harlan retired in 2008 as the winningest president in NFL history.
  • Harlan passed away on March 5, 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Bob Harlan

The former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers who was responsible for hiring the general managers that led the team to Super Bowl victories in 1996 and 2010.

Ron Wolf

The general manager hired by Harlan in 1991, who then brought in head coach Mike Holmgren and traded for quarterback Brett Favre, leading to the Packers' Super Bowl win in 1996.

Ted Thompson

The general manager hired by Harlan in 2005, who built the team that won the Super Bowl in 2010.

Mike Holmgren

The head coach hired by Ron Wolf, who led the Packers to the Super Bowl win in 1996.

Brett Favre

The Hall of Fame quarterback who was traded to the Packers by Ron Wolf, helping the team win the Super Bowl in 1996.

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What they’re saying

“Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational. From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club's on-field fortunes to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure and helped ensure our unique and treasured flagship NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success.”

— Ed Policy, Packers president and CEO

“Bob Harlan gave me an opportunity, and I am deeply indebted to him for that. His greatest trait, in my opinion, is that he was an honorable man, a man of his word, a man of character. He was an honor to know and a pleasure to work with.”

— Ron Wolf, Former Packers GM

“Bob helped me become a good manager, a good coach, and to understand the responsibilities of leadership. That carried with me throughout my career. He was really good to me. I owe him a great deal. I'm honored to have worked for him.”

— Mike Holmgren, Former Packers head coach

What’s next

The Packers organization is expected to hold a memorial service to honor Harlan's legacy and contributions to the franchise.

The takeaway

Bob Harlan's tenure as Packers president was marked by his ability to identify and hire the right leaders who could transform the team into a perennial Super Bowl contender. His vision and commitment to the franchise's success cemented the Packers' status as one of the NFL's most iconic and successful organizations.