Green Bay Packers Coach Has Emergency Surgery; Future Status Is Unknown

The Green Bay Packers received some frightening news today about one of their former coaches. Mike McCarthy, who led the Packers to Super Bowl XLV in 2010, underwent emergency surgery just days before Week 14.

Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers, is undergoing emergency surgery.

ESPN’s Todd Archer reports:

After being diagnosed with an acute case of appendicitis, Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy will undergo surgery on Wednesday, just five days before the team’s biggest game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles.

McCarthy complained of abdominal pain before seeing the team’s medical staff on Wednesday morning. He is expected to be released from the hospital later Wednesday and will return to the field on Sunday.

While McCarthy, who turned 60 last month, recovers, Cowboys coordinators Dan Quinn, Brian Schottenheimer, and John Fassel will run practice. Because he is the offensive playcaller, his absence complicates matters, but he delegated duties to Schottenheimer and the other offensive coaches.

McCarthy’s Cowboys are first in points per game (32.3) and fifth in yards per game (380.4). He has a career regular-season record of 164-100-2 and is the fifth-winningest active coach.

What Does This Mean for Dallas in Week 14?

This weekend’s Sunday Night Football game pits the 9-3 Dallas Cowboys against the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles at home. The Cowboys have a chance to secure a playoff spot this weekend, but a lot of things have to go their way.

Having McCarthy on the sidelines will be beneficial to the team, but it will be interesting to see if he is fully recovered in time for the game. McCarthy directs the offense for the team. An offense that ranks first in the NFL in terms of scoring.

When it became clear that McCarthy would take over play-calling duties, Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn said:

“It’s really cool to see Mike in that role,” said Quinn on June 8. “He appears to be having a good time, in my opinion.” As a head coach, there are times when you wish you were the play-caller. I’ve seen that in him, the enthusiasm he has for it, and he appears to be having a great time.

He prepares the entire menu and the table for us, and we’re having a good offseason, but I’ve felt some happiness and joy for him going out there, and you can see his competitive juices flowing. We’ll have some exciting battles [during training camp]. I’ve been coaching against Mike for a long time, and he’s one of the best.”