The Green Bay Packers have finalized their deal with Tom Clements, an experienced quarterbacks coach with an extensive background to pair with star quarterback and NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Green Bay Packers hired Tom Clements
Rodgers has said he hasn’t made a decision as he continues to contemplate his future but has sounded open to the idea of remaining with the Packers. Clements’ addition is expected to be another motivating factor for Rodgers as he decides whether he’ll remain in Green Bay.
Clements retired a year ago, and now he’s back with the Packers. He previously worked with Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre and Rodgers as a QBs coach before becoming Green Bay’s offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
Clements was credited with helping to develop Rodgers at the start of his career to become Favre’s replacement. Rodgers is the only player in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards in his first two seasons as a starter. He also won Super Bowl XLV and earned Super Bowl MVP.
In 2011, with the Packers’ record at 14-1, Matt Flynn started the regular-season finale and threw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns in one record-setting game. That helped to propel Flynn into free agency.
Who is Tom Clements?
Clements was a former Notre Dame quarterbacks coach under Lou Holtz. In addition to a law degree magna cum laude from Notre Dame, Clements practiced law in Chicago after finishing his playing career. Clements has also coached with the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Buffalo Bills. He landed his first offensive coordinator role with the Bills from 2004 to 2005.
Clements, 68, is a former Notre Dame All-American QB, national champion in 1973, and Heisman Trophy finalist. He passed for 39,041 career yards and 252 touchdown passes as a CFL all-star, CFL Most Valuable Player, and two-time Grey Cup champion.
Clements has a ton of knowledge about the game, especially the quarterback position, and is well-respected in NFL circles. This is regarded as a strong hire by the Packers.