Fan wanted defensive coordinator job, but settles for rejection letter from Packers CEO

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Bill Port did not get the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator job. But the New Berlin, Wisconsin man did get a hand-written rejection note from Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy, which, as a guy who sells industrial heat-treating ovens for a living, was more than he expected.

"I wasn’t expecting a response," said Port, who also applied for the head coaching job when it was open. Matt LaFleur beat him out for that. "I was hoping someone in (Murphy's) office would get a chuckle and they’d show it to him and he’d get a chuckle."

Apparently it tickled Murphy, who let Port down easily in a rejection letter on his personal stationary. He wrote:

“Bill, Thanks so much for your cover letter and resume regarding our Defensive Coordinator position. While your fantasy football experience is impressive, I regret to inform you that we have decided to go in a different direction. I hear the Bears have an opening − you look to be a perfect fit for them. Thanks again. Sincerely − Mark."

Port admitted the Bears job, if offered, would present a conundrum. As a lifelong Packers fan, he would feel guilty working for Chicago. On the other hand, it would be an entrée into the NFL. Not that he has to worry.

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In addition to his résumé, which included his championship years in fantasy football as well as his experience, or lack thereof, playing on his high school football team, Port included a short and to-the-point cover letter, which read, "I heard your organization has a job opening, so I figured I could do this Defensive Coordinator thing. Please note, I prefer weekends off. GO PACK GO!"

The whole exchange went viral when his wife's cousin posted it on Twitter (now known as X).

Port is a letter writer from way back. As a kid, he would get team and player addresses from a football almanac and fire off missives. In return, he'd get autographs and photos and other swag. Among his returns, a signed photo of former Packers coach Mike Holmgren, and his favorite, a personalized note from Packers Super Bowl XXXI hero Desmond Howard, who apologized for not writing him back sooner because he was in the middle of moving to the Oakland Raiders.

He had not written anything in a number of years when the Packers head coach position opened up. He didn't get a response, so lowered his sights to defensive coordinator.

Port enjoyed Murphy's response. "I thought it was pretty funny. I just saw it as a funny dig against your biggest rival. I think everybody was amused by this," he said.

Port's family are season ticket holders and he and his wife, Alix, attend one game a year at Lambeau Field. They also go to one road game a year.

"If there’s a pep rally, we go," he said. Which means he's been close to Murphy a couple times, but never personally met him.

That might change now. After all, they're pen pals.

Contact Richard Ryman at rryman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @RichRymanPG, on Instagram at @rrymanPG or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardRymanPG.