Packers' Rodgers takes exception to QB coach change
Aaron Rodgers doesn't appear to be happy with the Green Bay Packers' decision to not retain quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt after the season.
In an appearance on ESPN Radio's "Golic & Wingo" on Thursday, Rodgers described the Packers' coaching changes as "a little strange," particularly noting the Van Pelt departure.
"Well, my quarterback coach didn't get retained," Rodgers said when asked for specifics. "I thought that was an interesting change, really without consulting me. There's a close connection between quarterback and quarterback coach, and that was an interesting decision."
Van Pelt had served as the Packers' quarterbacks coach since 2014 and with the coaching staff since 2012. At the time of Van Pelt's departure from the organization last month, head coach Mike McCarthy indicated to reporters that the 47-year-old had let his contract run out in order to pursue an offensive coordinator opening. Van Pelt has since signed on for a lateral move to be the quarterbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.
"When you get to this point, frankly this decision was made last year," McCarthy said last month of Van Pelt. "I don't want to speak on Alex's, his thoughts, but this is a moment he's prepared himself for."
Among other coaching changes the Packers made include the return of Joe Philbin as offensive coordinator and hiring of Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator.
"We've got to get back to playing championship defense," Rodgers said Thursday. "We've got a new coordinator, actually on both sides. Joe Philbin came back and his last year with us was '11 and we had a pretty damn good offense that year. So it's exciting having him back. Some other changes that are a little strange, maybe, but we'll see how they all play out."
Rodgers added that he's dealing with no lingering issues from his broken collarbone that required surgery and cost him nine games last season.
--Field Level Media
