Green Bay, WI – In a shocking move, the Green Bay Packers have announced that legendary linebacker Clay Matthews has rejoined the team as their new linebacker coach.
Matthews, who played for the Packers from 2009 to 2014, was a key member of the team’s Super Bowl XLV championship squad. During his time with the Packers, Matthews established himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro twice.
After leaving the Packers in 2015, Matthews went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, before announcing his retirement from football in 2019.
Matthews’ return to the Packers as a coach is a homecoming of sorts for the legendary linebacker. Matthews has always spoken highly of the Packers organization and the city of Green Bay, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Green Bay and to have the opportunity to coach the linebackers,” Matthews said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with the talented group of linebackers we have on the roster and helping them to reach their full potential.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his excitement about having Matthews on board as a coach.
“We’re thrilled to have Clay back in the fold,” LaFleur said. “He’s a legendary player who knows what it takes to be successful in this league. I’m confident that he’ll be a valuable addition to our coaching staff and will help our linebackers to take their game to the next level.”
Matthews’ coaching philosophy is centered around the idea of building a strong, fundamentally sound defense that can dominate opponents at the point of attack.
“My approach is to focus on the fundamentals and to make sure that our linebackers are technically sound,” Matthews said. “I want our linebackers to be able to play fast and aggressive, and to be able to make plays in space.”
The Packers’ linebacker corps is expected to be a strength of the team in 2025, with players like Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Quay Walker returning from last season’s squad. With Matthews on board as their coach, the Packers are hoping to take their linebacker play to the next level and become one of the top defenses in the NFL.
Clay Matthews’ Playing Career Stats_
Games Played: 156
Sacks: 91.5
Tackles: 516
Forced Fumbles: 17
Fumble Recoveries: 6
Interceptions: 3
_Clay Matthews’ Coaching Career_
– Linebacker Coach, Green Bay Packers (2025-present)
Packers’ Offseason Moves
Hired Clay Matthews as linebacker coach
Re-signed WR Davante Adams to a contract extension
Released LB Christian Kirksey
Signed DT Kenny Clark to a contract extension
