Packers coaching staff beginning to take shape for 2019

Following the Matt LaFleur hire as head coach, the Green Bay Packers coaching staff is beginning to take shape for 2019.

The Packers didn’t waste much time hiring their next head coach.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky had reported on Sunday that the team was expected to select candidates for a second interview on Monday. Instead, they made their final decision and hired Matt LaFleur, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.

So we now know who the head coach will be in 2019. But what does this mean for the rest of the coaching staff?

Joe Philbin, who was the interim head coach for the final four games of the season following Mike McCarthy’s departure, could be back.

Demovsky reported that LaFleur is expected to consider keeping Philbin, although his role is unclear, and that he is also expected to keep Mike Pettine as the defensive coordinator.

Keeping Pettine in Green Bay is a smart move by LaFleur. Pettine certainly wasn’t the reason for the Packers’ struggles in 2018.

His arrival as defensive coordinator was a key reason why the defense made improvements this season. There’s still a lot of work to do, but if general manager Brian Gutekunst can add more talent to go with young stars Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander, the defense will continue to improve in 2019.

It’s important to have some continuity, and keeping Pettine prevents the defense from having to restart with another new coach.

LaFleur will also be a first-year head coach, another reason why it makes sense to keep both Philbin and Pettine in the building. LaFleur will be able to make it his team, but Philbin and Pettine both have head coaching experience and will be able to help LaFleur adjust to his new role.

A lot of important decisions are still to be made in the coming days and weeks, but the Packers coaching staff is beginning to take shape for 2019.