Green Bay Packers: Why They'll Struggle with Joe Philbin Down in Miami

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Joe Philbin was arguably the best offensive coordinator in the league for the past four years.  He became the Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator in 2007, and the team has ranked in the top 10 in most offensive categories every year.

Philbin was offered the vacant position in Miami this offseason and took his first NFL head coaching job.  The Dolphins aren't the ideal team for a new coach to start off with, but he has to start somewhere.

However, if Philbin has the same kind of success in Miami that he had in Green Bay, he could bring the Dolphins out of the league's cellar.

They promoted quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to Philbin's old position, but the Packers are feeling the loss of Philbin and will suffer offensively without him.

New Playbook

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Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense will have to learn a completely new playbook. 

This may not seem like a big deal, but since Rodgers has been the Packers' starting quarterback, he has only had to know one playbook.

Joe Philbin has been the only offensive coordinator since Rodgers has started at quarterback in 2008.  Yes, Rodgers is unbelievably skilled and will most likely transition quickly, but that's not necessarily a good thing. 

The transition to a new offense is never an easy thing for an offense that has already played under a system for a number of years. 

Philbin is a huge reason as to why Rodgers has developed into the quarterback he is today, and that is a crucial loss for Green Bay.

Loss of a Leader

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Philbin has been a coach for 28 years, and he has the respect of his players and fellow coaches. 

There is no doubt that Philbin was one of the most respected offensive coordinators in the NFL.

Philbin is definitely a leader, and the loss of him is a crushing blow for the Packers. 

He was a huge reason as to why the Packers were top 10 in the league in yards for the past four seasons, and he helped them win a Super Bowl as well.

He developed Aaron Rodgers into a Pro Bowl quarterback, and he also developed Matt Flynn from a backup to a current starter for the Seattle Seahawks.

There is no way around it, the loss of Philbin will hurt the Packers.  It may not show clearly, but his leadership ability was a big part of Green Bay's success.

Team Chemistry

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This team is very close. 

They have been gelling for about four years since Rodgers took over the starting job in 2008. 

This is due in large part to the presence of Joe Philbin.

The players have known him to be the only offensive coordinator of some of their entire careers. 

The new offensive coordinator might be a familiar face, but the former quarterbacks coach Tom Clements will not be able to completely replace Philbin.

The team chemistry will take a hit because of this. Although it may not be a significant hit, it will be evident early in the season.  They will need time to gel together again with the frustrations of learning a new offense. 

Philbin was loved by his players, and Clements must be the same way if he hopes to improve team chemistry.