I recall similar apprehension to when he was hired as head coach in 2000, and he ended up doing a solid job as head coach. Being a GM, however, does require a different skill-set and, as R.J points out, Pinball did surround himself with a solid support group when he was coach.

I do think some people are reading too much into the title here as his role will clearly not be what we traditionally define a GM's role to be.

The real question people should be asking themselves is whether or not they trust John Murphy.