Tom

Clements

Clements coordinated the Bills offense in 2004-2005 and the Packers from 2012-2014, but he is most known as a quarterbacks coach. He was Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach from 2006-2011, winning a Super Bowl in the process as he helped develop Aaron Rodgers into one of the NFL’s best. The 71-year-old has served as Packers quarterback coach for the last three seasons after a short stint in Arizona. He’s also coached quarterbacks for the Saints, Chiefs, and Steelers over a career that started more than 30 years ago.

Per Wilson, the move is expected “to be welcomed by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.” 68-year-old Clements served as the Pack’s offensive coordinator from 2012-14 and as associate head coach in 2015-16. He was most recently on Kliff Kingsbury’s staff in Arizona before being out of the league in 2021. It’s yet another move designed to keep Rodgers in Green Bay, though Rodgers has been careful not to tip his hand publicly.

Clements will essentially fill Arizona’s vacant OC position and serve as coach Kliff Kingsbury’s primary offensive assistant and passing-game coordinator. Kingsbury will call his own plays, but Clements is expected to assist heavily in game-plans. Clements spent 11 years under Mike McCarthy and Green Bay’s staff, notably winning a Super Bowl with the team back in 2011. Although he’s been out of football the past two seasons, the Cardinals are hoping Clements’ veteran status and assistance in developing Aaron Rodgers can help in developing Josh Rosen.

Clements was one of Mike McCarthy’s right-hand men in Green Bay for a decade from 2006-2016 before being removed from his duties. He called the Packers’ plays in 2015 but had those duties stripped by McCarthy following subpar results. Clements spent 2017 and 2018 out of the league but was part of Aaron Rodgers’ development and could be sought to do the same for Josh Rosen. New Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury has been eyeing veteran NFL coaching talent.

Clements was the primary play-caller for most of 2015, but disastrous results led to McCarthy taking back those duties late in the season. Clements stayed with the team for the final year of his deal, but it is not surprising the two sides decided to split following the expiration of his contract. As for Clements’ future, McCarthy said he “is going to move on to some other interests.”

The Browns have yet to request permission to interview Clements, but the Packers don’t have to approve that request. We’re not sure why Clements would even want to leave Aaron Rodgers for offensive-coordinator hell Cleveland where they recycle play-callers on an annual basis. The Browns are going to have a tough time luring someone to that disaster of an offense that doesn’t have a quarterback and seems poised to dump its lone playmaking receiver in Josh Gordon.

Following a disastrously conservative showing in the NFC Championship Game, head coach Mike McCarthy is stepping back. He’s going to spend more time with the special teams and as an overseer a la Jason Garrett and Mike Tomlin. It should be a seamless transition for Aaron Rodgers, as Clements and quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt remain in place.