Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has seemingly given his endorsement for interim head coach Joe Philbin to get the job on a permanent basis for next season.
“We want to play for Joe [Philbin] and give him the best opportunity possible,” Rodgers said after Sunday’s overtime win against the Jets, per Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal.
The Packers are 2-1 since Philbin took over from Mike McCarthy, who was fired after their 20-17 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. Green Bay beat the Falcons and Jets, with a loss to the Bears sandwiched in between.
Philbin has a good history with Rodgers as he was the Packers’ offensive coordinator when Rodgers finally took over from Brett Favre as the team’s new starting quarterback. Philbin spent four years as the OC, helping Rodgers to his first MVP award in 2011.
It seems clear from Rodgers’ comments that he likes Philbin, which is important. Rodgers’ rocky relationship with McCarthy was likely a major factor in McCarthy’s dismissal in Green Bay. So it would make sense for the Packers to get in a coach who Rodgers would have a good working relationship with.
But despite Philbin getting Rodgers’ (and apparently others in the team’s) vote, the Packers’ management might have other ideas. Philbin’s head coaching resume in Miami (24-28 in three-plus years) isn't a particularly impressive one.
That might be why the Packers front office could go with another option despite Rodgers’ apparent desire for Philbin to stay on. And if that is indeed the case, Rodgers will just have to make do with that situation.
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