Former Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan Dies at 89

Harlan's leadership transformed the Packers franchise over nearly two decades

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Bob Harlan, the former president of the Green Bay Packers who served in that role for 18.5 years, has died at the age of 89 at a hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Harlan is credited with reshaping the Packers organization both on and off the field during his tenure as the team's top executive.

Why it matters

Harlan's tenure as Packers president from 1989 to 2007 was a transformative period for the franchise. He oversaw the team's return to prominence, including a Super Bowl championship in 1996, and also led major renovations and expansions of Lambeau Field that helped secure the Packers' long-term future in Green Bay.

The details

During Harlan's time as president, the Packers won a Super Bowl title, made two other Super Bowl appearances, and qualified for the playoffs 13 times. He was instrumental in hiring head coach Mike Holmgren and general manager Ron Wolf, who helped build the Packers into an NFL powerhouse in the 1990s. Harlan also oversaw major renovations and expansions of Lambeau Field, including the addition of luxury boxes and club seats that generated crucial revenue for the team.

  • Harlan served as Packers president from 1989 to 2007.
  • The Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996 during Harlan's tenure.
  • Harlan passed away on March 5, 2026 at the age of 89.

The players

Bob Harlan

The former president of the Green Bay Packers who served in that role for 18.5 years, transforming the franchise both on and off the field.

Mike Holmgren

The head coach hired by Harlan who helped lead the Packers to a Super Bowl championship in 1996.

Ron Wolf

The general manager hired by Harlan who helped build the Packers into an NFL powerhouse in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“Bob Harlan was the architect of today's Green Bay Packers. His decisions during 18½ years as leader of the organization remade the franchise on and off the field.”

— Richard Ryman, Author (jsonline.com)

The takeaway

Harlan's leadership as Packers president from 1989 to 2007 was instrumental in transforming the franchise into an NFL powerhouse, including a Super Bowl championship in 1996. His vision and strategic decisions off the field, such as overseeing major renovations to Lambeau Field, also helped secure the team's long-term future in Green Bay.