GM – Syndication Server

GM chief Reuss addresses Penske St. Petersburg DQ

General Motors President Mark Reuss has issued a statement in the wake of last week’s disqualification of Team Penske at the St. Petersburg IndyCar race it won in March while using GM’s turbocharged V6 engines supplied under the Chevrolet banner by …

Questions of whether members of the Team Chevy/Ilmor staff were aware of Team Penske’s illegal use of push-to-pass horsepower when the system was deactivated for their rivals or were somehow involved in the matter was addressed by the Michigan native.

“We respect the decision and actions of IndyCar as well as Team Penske’s commitment to improve their processes and controls,” Reuss said. “Chevrolet engaged a third-party law firm to conduct a thorough review of the matter, and they found no evidence that any Chevrolet employee had any knowledge of or involvement in the matter. Chevy looks forward to engaging with IndyCar and our partner race teams to assist in any enhancements that further support the integrity of IndyCar competition.”

F1 turns down Andretti for 2026, door open for 2028

Formula 1 has rejected Andretti’s bid to join the grid over the next two seasons, but “would look differently on an application” for 2028 alongside General Motors as a power unit supplier. The FIA had already approved Andretti Formula Racing LLC as …

Formula 1 has rejected Andretti’s bid to join the grid over the next two seasons, but “would look differently on an application” for 2028 alongside General Motors as a power unit supplier.

The FIA had already approved Andretti Formula Racing LLC as a potential entrant that met its criteria late last year, but commercial approval from Formula One Management (FOM) was required, and FOM had been opposed to expanding beyond the current 10 teams.

After an assessment period of Andretti’s submission and the potential value it could bring to the series, FOM has now explained that it doesn’t feel 2025 is a realistic target for a new team to be ready and competitive — and that any new team only adds value if it’s competitive — while 2026 and 2027 would see a power unit supply deal required. Although an agreement was provisionally in place with Renault, it could also be an enforced deal based on the supplier with the fewest customer for either of those seasons.

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“The need for any new team to take a compulsory power unit supply, potentially over a period of several seasons, would be damaging to the prestige and standing of the Championship,” one of F1’s conclusions read.

“While the Andretti name carries some recognition for F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around.

“The addition of an 11th team would place an operational burden on race promoters, would subject some of them to significant costs, and would reduce the technical, operational and commercial spaces of the other competitors.”

However, General Motors has already registered its interest in becoming a full power unit supplier from 2028 onwards, and FOM says that is a point where it would look more favorably on the Andretti bid.

“We would look differently on an application for the entry of a team into the 2028 Championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house. In this case there would be additional factors to consider in respect of the value that the applicant would bring to the Championship, in particular in respect of bringing a prestigious new OEM to the sport as a PU supplier.”

As part of the commercial assessment period, F1 says it extended an invitation to Andretti on December 12 to present its application during an in-person meeting at the sport’s offices, “but the applicant did not take us up on this offer.”

Coach and GM roundup: Titans hire ex-Broncos assistant as head coach

Coach roundup: Titans hired ex-Broncos assistant Brian Callahan as HC, Raiders stick with Antonio Pierce while Chargers land Jim Harbaugh.

Story update: After this post was scheduled, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with Jim Harbaugh to be their new head coach. See our original post below.

The NFL’s coaching carousel continues turning as teams outside the playoffs begin preparing for the 2024 campaign.

After firing Mike Vrabel, the Tennessee Titans have replaced him with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their new head coach. Callahan, 39, was an assistant coach with the Denver Broncos from 2010-2015, helping the team win Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

Peyton Manning has heaped praise on Callahan, who left the Broncos in 2016 to become the Detroit Lions’ quarterbacks coach. After two seasons in Detroit, Callahan coached QBs for the Oakland Raiders in 2018 before getting Cincy’s OC job in 2019.

Seven years after leaving Denver, Callahan was a candidate to return to the Broncos in 2022 when the team fired Vic Fangio. The Broncos interviewed Callahan for their HC opening before eventually hiring Nathaniel Hackett instead. Two years later, Callahan is now a HC in Tennessee and the Broncos have replaced Hackett with Sean Payton.

Elsewhere on the coaching front, the Atlanta Falcons have completed a second head coach interview with Ejiro Evero, who served as Denver’s defensive coordinator in 2022.

Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker has interviewed for the New England Patriots’s defensive coordinator position, but Pats in-house candidate DeMarcus Covington is considered the favorite to land that gig.

Meanwhile, in the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders have officially hired Antonio Pierce as their new head coach, removing his interim tag. Las Vegas has also hired a general manager, bringing in Tom Telesco. That means the Raiders will not hire Denver executive Kelly Kleine Van Calligan, who interviewed for the GM opening.

Las Vegas is now set to interview ex-Broncos QBs coach Mike Sullivan (2018) for their offensive coordinator position.

The Los Angeles Chargers have interviewed Vrabel for their HC opening, but Jim Harbaugh is believed to be a leading candidate for the job after setting up a second interview with Los Angeles.

The Chargers and Patriots are still seeking GMs. L.A.’s list of GM candidates includes Jeff Ireland, Dawn Aponte and Jeff King.

In addition to the Chargers and Falcons, the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders also have HC openings. Harbaugh, Vrabel and Bill Belichick are the most notable coaches still available.

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Broncos moving forward with George Paton as GM

“I think George [Paton] can help us build a winning roster here,” Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner said.

After the Denver Broncos benched Russell Wilson, some outlets (including Broncos Wire) speculated that general manager George Paton could be on the hot seat. That was not the case.

Paton worked well with coach Sean Payton in 2023, according to accounts from both Paton and Payton.

“We’ve had a really good working relationship from the beginning,” Payton said last week. “All that has gone well. We communicate two, three, four times per day. That’s worked out really well.”

Broncos owner/CEO Greg Penner, who has the final say, was pleased with the team’s coach/GM duo in Year 1.

“It’s been a year now, and I thought it worked really well, especially the partnership between Sean and George,” Penner said. “That relationship between head coach and GM is critical. I was impressed with the way that they handled going from free agency to the draft.

“It was great to see a number of young players that George and his staff had drafted previously step up and play key roles. I thought there was improvement this year, and I think George can help us build a winning roster here.”

Clearly, Paton isn’t going anywhere, at least not anytime soon. Payton undoubtedly has a big say in the team’s roster moves, particularly in free agency, but Paton is a former scout with several notable draft hits on his resume. By all accounts, he works well with Payton, and that’s key. Paton is now set to enter Year 4 as Denver’s GM.

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Here’s the latest on the status of Broncos GM George Paton

Despite the Russell Wilson trade and contract fallout, the Broncos are expected to bring back GM George Paton in 2024.

After trading for quarterback Russell Wilson last year and then giving him a massive contract extension, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has faced heavy scrutiny from fans and pundits in recent months.

Despite the recent backlash, the Broncos are expected to bring Paton back for the 2024 season, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“Paton is viewed as safe inside the organization, sources say,” Rapoport wrote on Sunday. “Based on his overall evaluation talents and a strong working relationship with Sean Payton since the head coach arrived last offseason, all indications are Paton should stay on.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that “Payton is expected to have the final say” on Paton’s status. Schefter went on to write that “it is his organization, and he gets to shape it how he wants it.”

After some pushback from the team via a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis, Schefter edited his report to now read: “Payton has significant authority and influence over the shaping of the team’s football operation.”

After Schefter’s original report stated it was Payton’s decision, Klis pushed back on Saturday evening with this: “Despite national speculation surrounding Paton as general manager because of the Wilson trade and contract extension, Paton works well with Payton and owner Greg Penner. … While Payton has significant influence with the team’s football operations, it would be Penner who would make the ultimate call on any change of this magnitude.”

In the end, the framing of who makes the decision seems to be semantics — Schefter’s original phasing and Klis’ stance can both be true. Penner is the literal boss so he obviously gets the final say, but he’s going to give the coach what he wants after placing the team in Payton’s care.

If Payton wants Paton fired, Penner will fire the GM. If Payton wants Paton to return, the GM will return — and it sounds like that’s what will happen in 2024. Paton will continue leading the team’s draft prep and salary cap plight while Payton remains involved across the board. It’s Payton’s team, but there’s room for Paton in the front office.

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GM George Paton’s future with Broncos uncertain after Russell Wilson benching

Broncos GM George Paton traded three players, two 1st-round picks and two 2nd-round picks for Russell Wilson and then paid him $245M.

After the Denver Broncos benched quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday, fans and pundits are now questioning if general manager George Paton has a future with the team beyond the 2023 season.

Paton agreed to trade three players plus two first-round picks and two second-round picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Wilson last year. In addition to giving up those picks and players, Paton immediately gave Wilson a five-year, $245 million contract.

That will likely go down as one of the worst trades in NFL history, and the contract extension makes it even worse. Can Paton survive such a blunder?

Broncos ownership, likely with plenty of input from head coach Sean Payton, will have to make a decision on Paton’s future after the 2023 season. Denver will host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17 before closing out the season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.

Wilson went 11-19 as a starter and there’s a growing sentiment in Broncos Country that Paton might be shown the door in 2024.

GM registers as F1 PU manufacturer from 2028

General Motors has announced it has formally registered as a Formula 1 power unit manufacturer starting from 2028, and plans to supply Andretti Cadillac as a full works team. Andretti Cadillac’s entry has been approved by the FIA but still needs to …

General Motors has announced it has formally registered as a Formula 1 power unit manufacturer starting from 2028, and plans to supply Andretti Cadillac as a full works team.

Andretti Cadillac’s entry has been approved by the FIA but still needs to reach a commercial agreement with Formula One Management (FOM) to be able to join the grid, and has faced opposition from existing teams. After recently reiterating that it was only interesting in partnering with Andretti, GM has now made the major announcement that it will provide a full power unit to the Andretti Cadillac team as an F1 supplier.

“We are thrilled that our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit,” GM President Mark Reuss said. “With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we’re confident we’ll develop a successful power unit for the series, and position Andretti Cadillac as a true works team. We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”

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F1’s power unit regulations are set to change in 2026, and there are currently six manufacturers registered with the FIA including Alpine, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes and Red Bull Ford. GM would become the seventh manufacturer from 2028 onwards.

GM states that “engineering a F1 power unit will advance GM’s expertise in areas including electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls, and software systems,” while highlighting its recent success developing the 5.5-liter DOHC V8 powertrain that was used in this year’s IMSA and WEC championships.

POLL: Should the Broncos fire GM George Paton?

Should the Broncos fire GM George Paton? Vote in our poll!

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is in danger of matching the worst six-game start in franchise history if his team falls to 1-5 on Thursday.

The Broncos traded a first-round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints for Payton’s rights this offseason, though, so ownership seems unlikely to move on from the coach quickly. In a rebuilding phase, Payton will likely be given time to reshape the roster over the course of more than one season.

Denver’s general manager, however, might be a different scenario.

George Paton played a role in the team’s decision to hire coach Nathaniel Hackett last year, a move that proved to be a disastrous decision. Paton also traded valuable assets to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason.

Paton also gave Wilson a five-year, $245 million contract last year, and he gave pass rusher Randy Gregory a five-year, $70 million contract in 2022. Paton’s drafts have featured several big hits, but many of his big free agent signings have been misses, and his first coaching hire was a big miss.

So, should George Paton be on the hot seat? Let us know your take, Broncos fans, by voting in the poll below!

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Sean Payton criticized more than just Nathaniel Hackett for Broncos’ past struggles

Sean Payton criticized Denver’s (former) coach, the GM and the president for letting Russell Wilson’s QB coach in the facility last year.

Story update: After this post was scheduled, Sean Payton said that he regretted the comments he made. Payton said he should have shown “little more restraint.” See our original post below.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has his own personal quarterbacks coach, Jake Heaps, and he had his own office at the team’s facility last season — topics that proved to be controversial last fall.

A quarterback having his own office to study film isn’t abnormal in the NFL, but when the Broncos were struggling, it became a talking point for fans and pundits who criticized the quarterback.

More alarming was the fact that former head coach Nathaniel Hackett — and everyone in Denver’s front office — allowed Wilson’s personal QB coach to work with him at the team’s facility. The Broncos already had a QB coach on staff (Klint Kubiak), but the team allowed Heaps in the facility anyway.

After new head coach Sean Payton was hired earlier this year, he made it clear that no outside coaches would be allowed in the team’s facility going forward. In a recent interview with USA TODAY‘s Jarrett Bell, Payton criticized not only Hackett but also general manager George Paton and team president Damani Leech for letting Heaps in the building last season.

“That wasn’t [Wilson’s] fault,” Payton told Bell. “That was the parents who allowed it. That’s not an incrimination on [Wilson], but an incrimination on the head coach, the GM, the president and everybody else who watched it all happen.

“Now, a quarterback having an office and a place to watch film is normal. But all those things get magnified when you’re losing. And that other stuff [like personal coaches in the building], I’ve never heard of it. We’re not doing that.”

Payton ripped Hackett in his conversation with Bell and he clearly feels that Paton and Leech also mishandled the 2022 season. Leech was hired by the team’s new ownership group and he’s probably not in danger of being let go, especially because he’s more focused on the business side of the team.

Paton, on the other hand, was inherited by the club’s owners and he is directly responsible for football decisions. Payton’s relationship with the GM will be worth monitoring going forward. Payton and Paton have both said they have a good working relationship, but the coach was clearly critical of the GM when he spoke with Bell.

Perhaps it’s water under the bridge now. The Broncos are moving forward and Payton is doing things his way. If the coach and Paton work well together and win games going forward, the front office’s blunders in 2022 will eventually be forgiven and forgotten.

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Packers’ Brian Gutekunst cracks top 10 in NFL GM Power Rankings

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com ranked Brian Gutekunst as the 8th-best GM in football, but a legacy-defining stretch awaits.

His handling of the Aaron Rodgers situation is open for debate, but one NFL analyst still holds Brian Gutekunst in high regard compared to other general managers.

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal released his NFL GM Power Rankings on Thursday, and he had Gutekunst cracking the top 10 at No. 8. Here’s what Rosenthal wrote about Gutekunst’s tenure, which began at the start of 2018:

“This ranking feels incomplete, given that the terms of the expected Aaron Rodgers trade are not yet known, but “Gutey” is moving on from Rodgers at the right time. I believe that the Packers think Jordan Love is ready. He wasn’t last year. We’ll find out if Gutekunst is right — and that will help determine Gutekunst’s legacy in Green Bay more than his above-average drafts (Christian Watson!), savvy targeted free-agent pickups and mostly smart re-signings. (The extension Green Bay gave Elgton Jenkins in December already looks like a steal.) It’s worth noting that the Packers have given out fewer guarantees in free agency than any NFL team this offseason, which probably won’t make Love’s job any easier.”

Of course, whether or not Love pans out will significantly impact how Gutekunst is perceived. He certainly made waves back in 2020 when he made the crucial call to select a quarterback (after trading up) in the first-round months after Rodgers led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game. Now the time has come for Gutekunst to see that possibly franchise-altering decision through by trading Rodgers this offseason and move on with Love as the starting quarterback.

Even though Love’s future is uncertain, Gutekunst has accomplished enough to be considered in the top half of NFL GMs. As a drafter, he has done well to add core pieces to the roster, such as a two-time All-Pro in Jaire Alexander and a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in Rashan Gary and Jenkins. Watson could also be a home run from last year’s draft if he develops after a promising rookie season.

When it comes to free agency, Gutekunst has made some marquee moves as well. In his second offseason, he went out and signed Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Billy Turner and Adrian Amos. All four became impactful starters for Green Bay, with Preston Smith set to return as the last remaining member of that free-agent class.

While some moves by Gutekunst may have been no-brainers, others were far more discreet until they weren’t. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell was an afterthought during 2021 free agency before Gutekunst brought him in on a one-year, $2 million contract in June. Campbell then made Gutekunst look like a genius when he was named an All-Pro thanks to a breakout season.

As if signing a future All-Pro in the middle of the summer wasn’t enough, Gutekunst struck gold again that same year when he signed corner Rasul Douglas off of the Arizona Cardinals practice squad midseason. Injuries hit the Packers’ secondary, so Douglas was a stop-gap who shocked everyone when he emerged into a game-breaking playmaker. Douglas finished the year with five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in 12 games. Once cost-effective add-ons, both he and Campbell were brought back on lucrative multi-year deals.

Gutekunst’s ability to find talent through a variety of avenues helped earn him a contract extension following the 2021 season. However, things quickly went south last year as Green Bay ended up 8-9 and absent from the playoffs.

It’s not too late for Gutekunst to right the ship, but he is currently entering a legacy-defining period. This offseason hinges on the compensation he will recoup from dealing Rodgers and how he will use the draft rather than free agency to strengthen the roster in Love’s first season. Gutekunst’s future with the Packers may depend on his ability to surround his young quarterback with enough pieces to be successful in Year 1 and give the team hope moving forward.

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