McCarthy and Brett Favre talked for almost two hours recently and then Wednesday afternoon for about half an hour in a downtown conference room after each accepted a national award at Super Bowl XLII.

Amid expectations that Favre would use his appearance to declare his intention to play an 18th season, the quarterback instead made it appear genuine that he really hasn't made up his mind.

"I haven't decided yet," Favre said. "I'm just going to take a few more weeks."

Meanwhile, McCarthy said there were no complications in his talks toward a new contract with the Green Bay Packers and that he expected to have the deal completed "within a week."

"I do trust the Packers," McCarthy said. "It's not like I'm dealing with this big, heavy negotiation. It's a great deal. Everybody feels good about it."

At 1 p.m. local time, Favre was named the winner of a quasi-quarterback of the year award sponsored by an overnight delivery corporation.

At 2 p.m., McCarthy appeared at a news conference in an adjoining room to accept a coach of the year award sponsored by an electronics corporation.

Both awards were based strictly by fan voting on the league's Web site.

Two members of the New England Patriots, quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick, were among finalists for each award. They were the winners of the Associated Press awards for most valuable player and coach of the year as selected by reporters.

A year ago, Favre announced his decision to play 32 days after the final game.

Today is just the 13th day since the Packers' lost to the New York Giants in overtime, 23-20, in the NFC Championship Game.

"We're going to do exactly like we did last year," McCarthy said. "I'll talk to him about every seven to 10 days. It's something that Brett, Deanna and the family need to determine if they want to go one more year."

Favre, 38, said his poor performance in subzero conditions against the Giants wouldn't affect his decision.

"I think it's more, am I willing to go through the journey, the ups and downs," he said. "What happens if we start off 4-0 or 0-4? How will I react?

"Do I want to put in the time in the off-season to prepare? That more than anything probably will play into my decision."

From McCarthy's vantage point, Favre has "zero issues" as a player that would affect his ability to contribute in 2008.

McCarthy then was asked if he was concerned about future games in extreme weather after Favre's disappointing showings in Week 15 against Chicago and in the finale against New York.

In his response, McCarthy essentially absolved Favre for his 40.2 passer rating at Soldier Field because gale-force winds enabled the Bears' secondary to squat on routes and special-team snafus put the offense in disadvantageous position.

"Actually, I thought he threw the ball pretty damn good in that game," McCarthy said. "I didn't think Chicago was an indictment on how he played."

Favre's rating was 70.7 against the Giants, but McCarthy continued to withhold judgment because he still hasn't studied the tape.

"The second half, there were some crossing routes and some throws across the middle we didn't hit," he said. "But I couldn't tell you the specifics . . . if it was him not playing well or not throwing the ball well.

"I'm not a doctor. But I wouldn't say he has arthritis and he's old had anything to do with it. When things are going well we're all a little more comfortable."

McCarthy was definitive regarding backup Aaron Rodgers, declaring him ready to start.

"He's really at the point of his career where he needs to play," he said. "He is the future of the Green Bay Packers; whenever that future arrives as far as Brett's decision. I have great confidence in Aaron."

The talks between McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson apparently have produced agreement on compensation and length of term, which is expected to be five years. According to McCarthy, the only thing remaining is reaching closure on details between him and vice president Jason Wied.

McCarthy is handling the deal himself with assistance from a family member, who is an attorney. Agent Gary O'Hagan worked for McCarthy in the past, but McCarthy said the breakup of IMG ended his need for representation.

"I think it's important because of where I work, because the fans do own it, it's a blue-collar mentality and I want to take a blue-collar approach," McCarthy said. "I wasn't going in trying to break the bank."

In other developments:

McCarthy said the Packers would continue using the zone run game for a third straight year.

"We'll stay the way we are," he said. "Thing about that, you've got to look at that closely. To better answer your question, maybe we do more inside zones as opposed to leaning toward outside zones.

"I'm a big believer in running downhill. You get that from inside zone or power. Inside zones supply the double team."

McCarthy said every member of his coaching staff has the opportunity to return and, barring unforeseen offers to serve as coordinator's elsewhere, expects them all back.

"I'm not going to do anything until I get back from the Pro Bowl," he said. "I haven't talked to each of the individual coaches yet."

Eric Lewis, the defensive quality control coach, did leave to coach the secondary at Louisville but won't be replaced until later in the month. Beyond Lewis, it appears no other assistant even had an interview for another job.