In the NFL, coaching staff changes are often as significant, if not more, than player trades or drafts. The Green Bay Packers, a franchise with a rich history and storied success, have become accustomed to making careful decisions regarding their coaching staff. Adam Stenavich, the Packers’ offensive coordinator since 2022, was expected to help revitalize an offense that had been somewhat inconsistent in recent years. However, as the Packers struggle to maintain offensive consistency and develop young talent, the conversation has shifted to whether or not Green Bay might need to replace Stenavich. Is he the right person to guide the Packers’ offense into the future, or is it time for a change?
### A Brief Overview of Stenavich’s Tenure
Stenavich took over as the Packers’ offensive coordinator in 2022, succeeding Nathaniel Hackett, who left to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos. Stenavich had previously served as the Packers’ offensive line coach, and his work there had been highly praised, especially given the team’s success in maintaining a solid and productive offensive line. His promotion to offensive coordinator was seen as a natural step forward for the organization, given his familiarity with the system and the trust he had built with both players and coaches.
In his first season as OC, Stenavich inherited a veteran-laden offense led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While Rodgers’ decline in performance played a role in the Packers’ offensive struggles in 2022, there were still flashes of brilliance in Stenavich’s playcalling. Unfortunately, as the season wore on, it became evident that the Packers’ offense was not firing on all cylinders. The team finished with a middling 8-9 record and missed the playoffs.
2023 was expected to be the year where Stenavich’s offensive vision would truly take shape, especially with the transition to Jordan Love as the starting quarterback. The Packers had entered a period of rebuilding and needed to see growth from their young QB, the offensive line, and the receiving corps. However, halfway through the season, there were still noticeable struggles on the offensive side of the ball, and fans and analysts began questioning Stenavich’s ability to develop and maximize the talent around him.
### Offensive Struggles: What’s Going Wrong?
There’s no denying that the Packers’ offense has struggled to put points on the board under Stenavich’s leadership. With a young quarterback like Jordan Love, it’s expected that there will be growing pains. But it’s not just the quarterback position that has been problematic—there have been issues across the board.
#### 1. **Underperformance of the Quarterback Position**
Jordan Love has shown flashes of promise but has not yet consistently displayed the playmaking ability that is expected from a starting quarterback in the NFL. While it’s understandable that a young QB might experience growing pains, Stenavich’s offensive system has not seemed to be the best fit for Love’s strengths. A major critique of Stenavich’s approach has been his seeming inability to tailor the offense to Love’s skill set. This has led to an offense that looks disconnected at times, with miscommunication between the quarterback and his receivers.
#### 2. **Inconsistent Offensive Line Play**
Stenavich’s strength as a coach has been his work with the offensive line. However, even the Packers’ offensive line, traditionally one of their strong suits, has been inconsistent under his watch. Injuries have certainly played a part, but there have been occasions when the line has failed to protect Love adequately or establish the running game. A porous offensive line can significantly limit an offense’s effectiveness, and it’s up to the offensive coordinator to adjust schemes and game plans accordingly.
#### 3. **Lack of Chemistry with the Receiving Corps**
Another challenge for Stenavich has been the underwhelming performance of the Packers’ receiving corps. Rookie wide receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have shown potential, but consistency has been elusive. The Packers’ offense has struggled to create separation and maintain rhythm in the passing game. Stenavich has often been criticized for failing to maximize the talent of his young receivers or for not designing plays that help them get open.
#### 4. **Playcalling and Offensive Creativity**
Perhaps the most significant critique of Stenavich has been the lack of creativity in his playcalling. In today’s NFL, offensive coordinators need to be able to adapt, evolve, and create mismatches. There has been a sense that Stenavich is too conservative or predictable in his play designs. This has made it easier for opposing defenses to prepare for the Packers, limiting the offensive impact. Whether it’s a lack of pre-snap motion, predictable down-and-distance playcalling, or an inability to design plays to get the best out of his players, Stenavich has yet to prove that he can consistently scheme a potent offense.
### Why the Packers Might Need to Replace Stenavich
#### 1. **Inability to Develop Young Talent**
The Packers are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and their ability to develop young talent will be essential for long-term success. Stenavich has struggled to build chemistry with young players and has not demonstrated an ability to maximize their potential. The offense has lacked cohesion, and the team has not been able to create explosive plays, which are vital for a young team trying to find its identity.
#### 2. **Offensive Identity Crisis**
The Packers have lacked a clear offensive identity under Stenavich’s guidance. While the team has tried to establish a strong running game, the offensive line has been inconsistent, and the wide receivers have not been able to make the necessary plays downfield. There have been moments of brilliance, but they are few and far between. For the Packers to succeed, they need a clear offensive vision and a coordinator who can craft a game plan that plays to the strengths of the talent on the roster.
#### 3. **The Importance of Playoff Contention**
The Packers are a team with high expectations, especially after so many years of dominance with Rodgers at the helm. While 2023 was expected to be a transition year, the team’s struggles could hinder their long-term goals. If the offense continues to perform poorly, the Packers may be forced to consider whether Stenavich is the right person to guide this new era in Green Bay. A change at the offensive coordinator position could be seen as a necessary step toward rebuilding the offense and getting the team back into playoff contention sooner rather than later.
### What’s Next for Stenavich and the Packers?
It’s important to remember that coaching changes don’t happen overnight, especially when a team is in the midst of rebuilding. Stenavich is still a young coach with potential, but his future with the Packers will depend on his ability to develop an offense that shows significant progress. The team will need to evaluate whether he is the right leader to develop Jordan Love and the rest of the young talent on offense.
If the Packers decide to move on from Stenavich, they’ll need to find someone who can provide a fresh perspective and spark to an offense that is desperately in need of an identity. Whether it’s bringing in a more experienced playcaller or a coach who excels at developing young quarterbacks, the Packers’ next steps will be crucial in determining their future success.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Green Bay as they continue to evaluate their offensive struggles, and whether Adam Stenavich’s time as the Packers’ offensive coordinator will come to an end.