Packers Add Former NFL Quarterback Sean Mannion to Coaching Staff
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur has added one of his former pupils, former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion, to his coaching staff.
As reported by ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson, Mannion will work with the passing game and quarterbacks.
Mannion had a nine-year NFL career. Of note, he was with the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, when LaFleur was the offensive coordinator.
“I don’t think I have to dig up many notes,” LaFleur said before potentially facing Mannion and the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. “First of all, what a great person, great teammate. He’s got a big-time arm. He is going to do exactly what the coaches tell him. He is so reliable in that regard. I’ve got a lot of respect for him not only as a person but as a player.”
A third-round pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2015, Mannion served practice-squad stints this season with the Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. His last career playing time came as a member of the Vikings against the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 17 of the 2021 season. He was 22-of-36 passing for 189 yards and his only career touchdown, though Green Bay rolled 37-10.
Mannion played in 14 career games, including a career-high five for the Rams in 2017. For his career, he completed 60.9 percent of his passes with one touchdown, three interceptions and a 66.2 rating.
The hire makes sense from a few perspectives.
One, veteran quarterbacks coach Tom Clements turned 70 in June. LaFleur hopes Clements will return for at least another season. Even if he does, at some point, the Packers eventually will need a new position coach.
“I think that’s something that we’re going to work through. I’m hopeful,” LaFleur said at the end of the season. “He’s been doing this for a long time. I think he’s earned the right to make whatever decision is best for him and his family. Certainly, it was a big sacrifice for him to give up living in California, coming to Green Bay.
“But, man, I can’t speak enough of the man, the coach, what he’s meant to us. I didn’t know what we were necessarily getting into two years ago but I think we’re all better for having Tom around. I think I’m a better coach for having Tom around. I think our players, certainly, benefited from having Tom around. He’s a great man, a great coach, great friend.”
Second, passing-game coordinator and receivers coach Jason Vrable is considered an up-and-coming coach for his work in building Green Bay’s youngest-in-the-league passing game into a formidable attack during the second half of the season. If Vrable at some point gets a coordinator opportunity, Mannion could be ready to take that role.
Third, Clements has been helped the last two years by Connor Lewis, the team’s assistant quarterbacks coach and one of LaFleur’s right-hand men. As is the case with Vrable, Lewis at some point will be deemed worthy of a promotion.
Mannion is represented by the same agency, Athletes First, as quarterback Jordan Love, so, presumably, there is a built-in relationship.
