Packers' Mike McCarthy might hand off play-calling duties
Following a season that ended in the NFC championship game, the Green Bay Packers could be making a change with their play-calling on offense. Head coach Mike McCarthy is considering handing off his play-calling duties to another coach, reports ESPN's Rom Demovsky.
No changes have been finalized, but offensive coordinator Tom Clements is one candidate to take over the in-game decision-making. Wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett could also see a promotion to offensive coordinator under this plan, with Clements receiving a title bump to associate head coach.
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McCarthy has yet to be asked specifically about potentially changing the Packers' play-calling structure, but he said the following when asked why linebacker Clay Matthews was not on the field for two fourth-quarter drives in the season-ending loss to the Seattle Seahawks:
"As far as the doctors, especially being a play-caller, I don't get every play by play of what every guy was looked at during the course of the game. I really don't even get that until after a home game until I go back through the training room, and we have a list that we go through each guy he has seen. Just the way we're structured, unless it impacts the game as far as a player injury, I'm not really notified."
The Packers finished 2014 with the NFL's No. 8 passing offense (266.3 yards per game) and No. 11 rushing offense (119.8 yards per game). McCarthy was criticized for his decision-making in the championship game loss, repeatedly attempting field goals in fourth-and-short situations.
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McCarthy has made one staff change since the season ended, firing special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum late last month. The Packers also have an opening for an assistant offensive line coach after Steve Marshall took a job with the New York Jets.
- Mike Fiammetta
