Former Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sean Mannion played six seasons in the league and officially retired last year. While the 3rd-round pick from 2015’s draft started just three games throughout his NFL career, he has played with/for some great football minds and is ready to coach at a high level.
Longtime Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach and former offensive coordinator Tom Clements retired at the age of 71 after the 2024 season. Mannion has now taken over as the team’s QB coach after spending this past season as an offensive assistant in Green Bay.
While speaking to the media this week, the Packers’ new QB coach revealed some of the plans he has set for Jordan Love and his progression.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field.
© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
When asked what the most important element is that he’ll implement with Love and the rest of the quarterback room, Mannion did not hesitate with his answer.
“To me, it really starts with footwork. That’s something that all quarterbacks need to focus on. I know, really, when I was first exposed to it, it was with Matt (LaFleur) in LA in 2017, and it was really kind of a foundational moment in my playing career,” Mannion said. “I got so much better from understanding how the footwork helps your accuracy, it helps your decision making, it helps with the timing of the play.”
The Oregon State product spent the 2017-18 season as a backup to Jared Goff in Los Angeles. LaFleur was the offensive coordinator at the time, hence their close relationship and LaFleur’s desire to keep him on the staff.
In his experience working with and being around Love last season as an assistant, Mannion saw great things from the 26-year-old.
“He’s a great talent, he’s a great person to work with every day, and he has great habits. I think when you combine those three things, really, the sky is the limit,” Mannion added. “For him, what we’re really trying to focus on is just the fundamentals and the footwork.”
Coming off an injury-riddled season where he threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 15 starts, Love looks to bounce back in his third season as the team’s starter.
According to PFF, Love ranked as the 19th QB overall last season with a 77.7 grade. This was down from his 2023 season, where he had an 83.0 grade and ranked as the league’s 14th-best QB.
It’s clear that Mannion will emphasize and attempt to improve Love’s footwork this offseason, helping him in all aspects while on the field for Green Bay.
