In 2022, the Packers promoted Adam Stenavich to offensive coordinator after three years as their offensive line coach. But with the Packers’ offense struggling, it’s clear that Stenavich’s impact is being felt on the team.
In his first year as head coach, Matt Lafleur made many changes to his staff. While names like Joe Barry stand out as significant hires for the team, it was also the decision to hire Adam Stenavich to coach the offensive line that made a significant impact on the team. Before landing with Green Bay, Stenavich coached the offensive line for the San Francisco 49ers, where in 2017 and 2018 he helped the 49ers engineer a potent rushing attack.
The Impact of the Stenavich Hire
The decision to bring Stenavich aboard in Green Bay ended up paying dividends for the team. In Stenavich’s first season with the team, they finished 13-3. The offense ranked the middle of the pack in terms of production (per pro-football reference). After a year in Lafleur’s system, though, the offense skyrocketed in 2020 to lead the league in scoring (per pro-football reference). While Aaron Rodgers’ MVP season contributed to their success, the offensive efficiency was also tied to the strong play from their offensive line.
The team invested heavily in the 2020 draft to add depth to the offensive line, but the Packers largely relied on the play of players like David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley, and Elgton Jenkins to power their potent offense. While Bakhtiari is currently on injured reserve, and Linsley has since signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, many of the players on the offensive line have remained with the team, and are current fixtures for the Packers. Continuity with the players, and more time in the system, helped Stenavich and the Packers repeat their success in 2021. In 2021, they finished 10th in the NFL for offensive scoring (per pro-football reference).
Success in the NFL Comes at a Cost
Back-to-back MVP seasons for Aaron Rodgers, and two NFC Conference Championship game appearances in three years for the Packers, ultimately led to a few key departures on the coaching staff. Instead of hiring out to replace Getsy, Lafleur promoted Stenavich to offensive coordinator. Luke Butkus was then hired to be the offensive line coach. While teams experience growing pains with new coordinators, in his second year as offensive coordinator Stenavich has struggled to generate a consistent and effective game plan.
Green Bay needs to play better in the first half. Period. Through six games, they have only scored 2 offensive touchdowns in their first half of games. In the second halves, though, the offense has put up 12 offensive touchdowns (per pro-football-reference). In fact, the offense as a whole has been more efficient in the second half. All of this has led to criticism of game planning for Green Bay, which is largely tied to coaching.
The youth movement in Green Bay will take time to yield strong results. Coaching changes also take time to make positive impacts. But if the Packers are to turn their season around, it starts with Stenavich’s game plan and getting the offense off to a faster start.
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