While the Green Bay Packers are seeing a pretty steep player turnover due to their youth movement, for better or worse the coaching staff is remaining mostly in tact. This is a stark contrast to last offseason that saw offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett leave to be the head coach of the Denver Broncos and quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy head down to be the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. To replace Getsy, Matt LaFleur was able to use the prospect of coaching Aaron Rodgers to lure former quarterbacks coach Tom Clements out of retirement.
Despite Rodgers being traded to the New York Jets, LaFleur wanted to retain Clements, who was also instrumental in the strides that Jordan Love made last year. However, before asking Clements to return, LaFleur wanted to get Love’s opinion on him coming back.
Matt LaFleur Talked to Jordan Love Before Asking Tom Clements to Return to the Green Bay Packers
Gpg Training Camp 08102022 0003
To be clear, LaFleur was not asking permission from Love to bring back Clements. Instead, he wanted to gauge how his new starting quarterback felt like he worked with the quarterback coach. LaFleur described his conversation with Love to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic:
“I asked Jordan after the season how he felt about him, and he said he loved Tom and thought he did a hell of a job helping him develop over the course of the year. So for me, it was a no-brainer. It was just whether or not Tom wanted to come back. And I’m happy he wanted to be here. We’re lucky to have him. He does a great job, too, not only with the quarterbacks but just helping out with our offense and bringing suggestions and great ideas. It’s been a fun process getting to know him and just the standards that he holds that room to.”
It is interesting that Clements came for Rodgers, but is staying for Love. Whatever the reason, the Packers are fortunate to have such a respected coach that wants to be in one place: Green Bay. How long it will last is up in the air as Clements is 69 years old. How ironic it is that the Packers’ offense, especially, is going to rely on extremely young players while one of the oldest coaches on staff helps develop their quarterback.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
