The Green Bay Packers elected not to retain quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, and it appears the team decided not to involve Aaron Rodgers in that discussion.
While appearing on Golic and Wingo (h/t ESPN’s Rob Demovsky), Rodgers revealed the Packers did not consult him before making the move — and he’s not pleased.
“I thought that was an interesting change … really without consulting me. There’s a close connection between the quarterback and his [position] coach. That was an interesting decision.”
Van Pelt, who has since been hired by the Cincinnati Bengals, spent the last four seasons as Green Bay’s quarterback coach.
In his place, the Packers brought on Frank Cignetti Jr., a veteran coach who most recently served on the New York Giants staff. He also oversaw the quarterback room with the St. Louis Rams from 2012-14.
Though the decision to move on from Van Pelt isn’t necessarily a bad one, not involving Rodgers in the discussion is curious. Given his accomplishments and value to the team, the logical move is getting Rodgers’ input on a move that directly affects him.
Calling this the start of a “rift” between Rodgers and the team is unfair, but it’s certainly a topic the Packers must address this offseason.