GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Bob Harlan, the Green Bay Packers’ president and CEO for nearly two decades as the franchise regained its status as a consistent winner, has died. He was 89.
The Packers announced Thursday that Harlan died earlier that day in Green Bay after a brief illness, citing Harlan's family. Team historian Cliff Christl said Harlan had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia.
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FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan stands on the 50-yard line as he speaks during the official dedication of the renovated Lambeau Field Sept. 7, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan signs autographs after the Packers stock holders meeting at Lambeau Field, July 7, 1999, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan waves to the crowd at the renovated Lambeau Field on Sept. 6, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan talks about the renovation of Lambeau Field from a luxury box in the stadium, July 28, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan talks about the hiring of Ted Thompson as general manager Jan. 14, 2005, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
Harlan was the father of longtime sports broadcaster Kevin Harlan.
Harlan joined the Packers in 1971 and was elected president and CEO of the NFL’s only publicly owned franchise in 1989. He served in that role until his retirement in January 2008.
“Bob restored the Packers’ tradition of excellence, winning a Super Bowl and renovating Lambeau Field into the iconic venue it is today,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He also contributed substantially to our league, helping ensure that all cities, large or small, could be successful."
During Harlan’s tenure, the Packers had 13 straight winning seasons from 1992-2004, won a Super Bowl during the 1996 season and got back the Super Bowl the following year. Harlan also was the Packers’ president/CEO during the $295 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field.
“Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational,” Packers president/CEO Ed Policy said in a statement. “From his inspired hiring of (general manager) 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.
“We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family.”
Harlan’s selection of Wolf as general manager came in 1991. At the time, the Packers had made just two playoff appearances since winning back-to-back Super Bowls in the 1966 and 1967 seasons.
Wolf reversed the Packers’ fortunes by acquiring Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons and adding Hall of Fame pass rusher Reggie White in free agency.
“Bob Harlan’s leadership of the Green Bay Packers was outstanding,” Favre said in a statement released by the team. “Hiring Ron Wolf and supporting the trade that brought me to Green Bay changed my career. The organization believed in me and gave me the opportunity.
“He was so supportive of me during the challenges I faced in my career. Challenges my family faced, too. He was always there offering his support. He was a great and kind man.”
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FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan stands on the 50-yard line as he speaks during the official dedication of the renovated Lambeau Field Sept. 7, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan signs autographs after the Packers stock holders meeting at Lambeau Field, July 7, 1999, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan waves to the crowd at the renovated Lambeau Field on Sept. 6, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan talks about the renovation of Lambeau Field from a luxury box in the stadium, July 28, 2003, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
FILE - Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan talks about the hiring of Ted Thompson as general manager Jan. 14, 2005, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
Reaction to the death of College Football Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz, who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988.
“Lou and I shared a very special relationship. He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together. Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust and commitment. ... Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the football team. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carrying out Notre Dame’s mission of being a force for good.” — Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.
“He was successful. But more important, he was significant.” — Skip Holtz, son of Lou Holtz and a fellow football coach.
“The wonderful Lou Holtz passed away yesterday, so sad. Lou was an absolute WINNER both on and off the field. Not only did he spearhead Notre Dame’s HISTORIC undefeated season in 1988 (including the legendary 31-30 “Catholics v. Convicts” Victory against Miami), he raised Millions upon Millions for struggling student-athletes, and the AMAZING University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!). He was also a true American Patriot, supporting me through thick and thin, and consistently speaking out against Democrat Insanity, including “Transgender for Everybody,” and the Illegal Alien Invasion. It is for all this incredible work that I gave Lou Holtz our Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rest in Peace, Lou. Because of Patriots like you, we have made America GREAT AGAIN!” — President Donald Trump.
“Lou Holtz was more than a football figure. He was a true leader. One of one. He consistently encouraged others in life. The message never changed. Trust, Love, Commitment.” — Rick Mirer, Notre Dame quarterback from 1989-1992.
“Lou Holtz was a true giant in our game, not just because of the championships he won, but because of the lives he shaped. He stood for discipline, faith, education and doing things the right way. College football is better because of Coach Holtz, and so are generations of young men who were fortunate enough to play for him.” — Archie Manning, former college and NFL QB, and chairman of the National Football Foundation.
“Obviously one of the greatest coaches certainly to ever coach this game. I would think a lot of people who played for him and know him would probably say one of the greatest people and one of the greatest influences in a lot of people’s lives.” — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
“I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life.” — Hall of Fame NFL running back Jerome Bettis, who played at Notre Dame from 1990-92.
“We lost a true legend, Lou Holtz, at 89. A champion and iconic coach to many, but I’ll remember him as a neighbor, and a genuinely kind man. I’ll never forget when he hosted my dad and me at Augusta. His legacy isn’t just in wins, but in the way he made people feel.” — Annika Sorenstam, women's professional golfer.
“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime. ... Whenever Notre Dame called to ask for his help, Lou answered with his characteristic generosity, and he will be sorely missed." — The Rev. Robert A. Dowd, University of Notre Dame president.
“Lou Holtz was a giant of college football whose influence on the game is matched only by the impact he had on people. Coach Holtz built championship programs, transformed young men into leaders, and brought passion and discipline to every sideline he paced. His on-field success is etched in the history of the sport, but it was his unmistakable voice and quick wit that connected him so deeply with football fans everywhere." — Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey.
"He not only was a great coach, he was a great person. We need more people like Lou Holtz. ... He was a jokester and a character. People liked to be around him. It’s hard to put a tag on Lou Holtz. He did everything so well. He was a great speaker. He attracted crowds wherever he went.” — former West Virginia coach Don Nehlen.
“Coach Lou Holtz was a legend on and off the field, who cared deeply for the state of Indiana and lived a remarkable life grounded in faith, family, and giving back. He will be greatly missed.” — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun.
“I learned that it was a bad idea to speak after him at an event because he was such an inspirational and motivational speaker. He was truly one of a kind.” — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
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FILE - Notre Dame's head coach Lou Holtz and the Fighting Irish walk onto the field of the Los Angeles Coliseum to warm up for an NCAA college football game against Southern California Saturday, Nov. 30, 1996 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
FILE - Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz watches his team workout before the start of their game against Japan's national American football team at the Notre Dame Japan Bowl in Tokyo Saturday, July 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa, File)
