Report: Packers deny NFL team ability to interview current assistant

The Denver Broncos reportedly won’t get an interview with Packers assistant Adam Stenavich. According to a tweet from Broncos reporter Mike Klis, Green Bay has denied Denver the chance to speak with the coach.

The Broncos hired Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their next head coach Thursday. Reports indicated that he hoped to bring along Stenavich, currently Green Bay’s offensive line coach, as Denver’s offensive coordinator. Now that possibility seems unlikely.

Based on the news, NFL reporter Albert Breer speculated the Packers intend to promote Stenavich as Hackett’s replacement. He suggested Green Bay tight end coach Justin Outten as another candidate for the Broncos offensive coordinator job.

Prior to the Packers, Hackett was an offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. The job with the Broncos is his first head coaching opportunity at any level for the 42-year-old.

Hackett’s connection to the Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a big point of discussion since his hiring. With Rodgers potentially on the way out as soon as next season, Denver has been tabbed as a potential destination. Adding credibility to the speculation, the quarterback has previously expressed interest in playing with the Broncos.

Although Rodgers could ultimately stay with the Packers, it would require him to rework his current contract. This would likely be done through an extension that involves a major pay cut in the 2022 season. Based on Green Bay’s salary cap situation, it is unable to pay Rodgers what he is currently owed for next year.

The veteran player has not indicated one way or another which direction he is leaning. Aside from working out a new deal with the Packers, his other options are demanding a trade or retiring.

Despite many talented teams over the past decade, Green Bay has not reached a Super Bowl since 2010. Rodgers was critical of Packers management prior to the 2021 season, but the relationship seems to have gotten better since then.

The Packers denying an interview for their assistant coach indicates the team wants to keep a familiar staff for Rodgers. Doing so may help convince the quarterback to return. However, an exit in the divisional round of the playoffs this past season likely didn’t help their case.