Green Bay Packers chairman emeritus Bob Harlan, who previously served as the club’s general manager and then president and CEO, died Thursday after a brief illness, the team announced. He was 89.
From 1981 to 1986, Harlan held the title of Packers general manager before becoming president, chairman and CEO. He served as the club’s general manager until his retirement in January 2008.
Harlan was instrumental in the Packers’ comeback in the 1990s, including winning Super Bowl XXXI with head coach Mike Holmgren and quarterback Brett Favre at the helm. He was also a guiding force in the $295 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field for the 2003 season.
“The Packers family was saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Harlan,” Packers president and CEO Ed Policy said in a team statement Thursday. “Bob was a visionary leader who had a transformational impact on the franchise. From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club’s on-field fortunes to his tireless work rebuilding Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitiveness during his tenure and helped ensure the continued success of our unique and treasured flagship of an NFL generation.”
“We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family.
Harlan, who joined the Packers in 1971, became a beloved figure as an example of the outpouring of media and Packers past and present, such as current general manager Brian Gutekunst, Harlan’s successor as team president and general manager Mark Murphy, along with former coaches and players, such as Holmgren, Mike McCarthy, Farve and Aaron Rodgers.
Said McCarthy: “Bob Harlan is the definition of what the Green Bay Packers are all about. The foundation for decades of continued success falls squarely at his feet — and heart.”
Harlan hired memorable Pro Football Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf and later general manager Ted Thompson, who installed Rodgers.
“To me, Bob epitomized the spirit of the Green Bay Packers and he truly loved leading the best franchise in the NFL,” Rodgers said in a statement. “His heart, quick wit and steady hand will always be remembered by Packers people.”
Bob Harlan, who also worked for his alma mater, Marquette University and St. Louis Cardinals baseball organization before joining the Packers, is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.
From 2008 until his death, he was the chairman of the team.
Service is pending, according to the Packers.