The Green Bay Packers have demoted Ted Thompson as general manager.

While Thompson will remain with the franchise, the Packers will hire a new GM.

The Packers have four strong internal candidates in Russ Ball, Brian Gutekunst, Alonzo Highsmith and Eliot Wolf, but the search also is expected to include outside candidates. That could include former Packers scouts Reggie McKenzie and John Schneider. 

McKenzie and Schneider are currently general managers with the Raiders and Seahawks.

Thompson has been in charge of the Packers' football operations since 2005. His first-ever draft pick was Aaron Rodgers.