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Offensive Coordinator
In his sixth year, both with the Packers and in the NFL, Joe Philbin in 2008 begins his second season as Green Bay's offensive coordinator.
Named to his current position by Head Coach Mike McCarthy on Jan. 15, 2007, he continued a rapid ascent up the professional coaching ladder. Philbin originally joined the Packers on Feb. 10, 2003, as assistant offensive line coach, then spent 2004 and '05 as tight ends/assistant offensive line coach, and was promoted to offensive line coach on Jan. 17, 2006.
In his first season at the offensive helm, Philbin directed a unit that ranked second in the NFL in total yards and fourth in scoring, as quarterback Brett Favre had an MVP-caliber season, running back Ryan Grant emerged as a productive feature back with nearly 1,000 yards while starting just over half the games, and second-year receiver Greg Jennings had a breakout 12-touchdown season.
The offense's No. 2 league ranking was Green Bay's highest since 1983, and the 5,931 net yards (1,597 rushing, 4,334 passing) ranks third in club annals. The team's 435 total points is also third on the franchise's single-season list. The offense reduced its turnover total to 24, the lowest for Green Bay since the Super Bowl team of 1996, and finished in the top 10 statistically in fewest offensive penalties with just 38, the team's lowest total this decade.
While McCarthy generally calls the plays, he turned that duty over to Philbin for the 2008 Pro Bowl, and Philbin directed the NFC offense to six touchdowns in a 42-30 victory over the AFC to conclude the season.
Philbin's move from offensive line coach to offensive coordinator helped maintain some continuity with the young offensive linemen and zone-blocking scheme. In 2006, Philbin oversaw a line that had three rookies - Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and Tony Moll - combine for 38 starts. Melding the new scheme with young, unproven talent, Philbin used his strengths as a teacher to develop a foundation up front. Despite injuries that led to five different starting combinations, the Packers allowed only 24 sacks and improved their run production by a half-yard per carry.
In 2005, Philbin's tight ends contributed to a passing game hampered by injuries. Green Bay joined Tennessee as one of only two NFL teams to have three tight ends record as many as 25 receptions each, as Philbin effectively blended Donald Lee into the offense despite the tight end's late preseason arrival.
Philbin's group in 2004 contributed to an offense that racked up more total net yards (6,357) and net passing yards (4,449) than any Packers team in the franchise's previous 83 NFL seasons. As proved in 2003, the line played an integral role in the NFL's third-ranked offense, including team marks for first downs (354), completions (382) and fewest sacks (14). In 2003, Philbin's teaching played a role in a rushing offense that improved from 12th the year before to third in the NFL, proving to be one of the best lines in team history.
With 24 years of experience, including 19 in the college ranks, Philbin came to Green Bay after four seasons as offensive line coach at Iowa (1999-2002).
Under Philbin's stewardship, Iowa fielded one of college football's finest offensive lines in 2002, helping the Hawkeyes finish second in the Big Ten Conference in rushing (214.2 yards per game). Philbin pupils Eric Steinbach, Robert Gallery and Bruce Nelson earned three of the five first-team All-Big Ten linemen spots, while Steinbach earned consensus All-America honors. Steinbach (second round, Cincinnati), Nelson (second round, Carolina) and another Philbin charge, Ben Sobieski (fifth round, Buffalo), were selected in the 2003 NFL Draft. Gallery was all-conference again in '03 and went second overall (Oakland) in the '04 draft.
Prior to Iowa, Philbin served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Harvard (1997-98). Under his direction in 1997, the Crimson established 15 offensive records, including marks for total offense (4,236 yards) and first downs (217). Five members of his offensive squad earned All-Ivy League honors, including Matt Birk, a 1998 draft choice and Pro Bowl performer for the Minnesota Vikings.
Earlier, Philbin was offensive line coach at Ohio University (1994) and offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Northeastern University (1995-96). He helped Northeastern to its first winning season in a decade in '96.
Philbin also spent four seasons (1990-93) at Allegheny College, where the Gators earned three postseason berths in four years, including two undefeated regular seasons and an NCAA Division III national championship in 1990.
Philbin got his start during a two-year stint (1984-85) as a graduate assistant at Tulane. Tenures followed at Worcester Tech (1986-87) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (1988-89).
A tight end during his playing days at Washington & Jefferson College, Philbin earned his B.A. in sociology from the school in 1984, and his master's of education in administration and supervision from Tulane in 1986.
Born in Springfield, Mass., Philbin and his wife, Diane, live in Green Bay and have six children: sons, Matthew, 20, Michael, 17, John, 15, Kevin, 14, and Timothy, 12, and a daughter, Colleen, 7.
PHILBIN AT A GLANCE
- Originally joined Packers Feb. 10, 2003, as assistant offensive line coach; promoted to tight ends/assistant offensive line, Feb. 27, 2004. Promoted by Mike McCarthy to offensive line coach, Jan. 17, 2006, and to offensive coordinator, Jan. 15, 2007.
- In his first year as an NFL offensive coordinator, directed an offense that ranked second in the league in total yards and fourth in scoring.
- Has 19 years of college coaching experience.
- Three pupils from his 2002 Iowa O-line were chosen in the 2003 NFL Draft: G Eric Steinbach (second round, Cincinnati), C Bruce Nelson (second round, Carolina) and G Ben Sobieski (fifth round, Buffalo). Another player he coached, tackle Robert Gallery, was the second overall selection (Oakland) in the 2004 draft.
| Year | College/Pro Team | Position Coached |
| 1984-85 | Tulane | Graduate Assistant |
| 1986-87 | Worcester Tech | Offensive Line |
| 1988-89 | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy | Offensive Line |
| 1990-93 | Allegheny College | Off. Coordinator/Off. Line |
| 1994 | Ohio University | Offensive Line |
| 1995-96 | Northeastern University | Off. Coordinator/Off. Line |
| 1997-98 | Harvard | Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line |
| 1999-2002 | Iowa | Offensive Line |
| 2003 | Green Bay Packers | Asst. Offensive Line |
| 2004-05 | Green Bay Packers | Tight Ends/Asst. Offensive Line |
| 2006 | Green Bay Packers | Offensive Line |
| 2007-08 | Green Bay Packers | Offensive Coordinator |