Early Signs of a Coaching Future

John Mannion vividly recalls a small yellow notepad that his son, Sean, carried at just 7 years old. During a high school scouting trip in Northern California, young Sean meticulously took notes on the opposing team, a clear early indication of his future in coaching. "He was writing all this stuff down about the other team," John remembered. This early passion for understanding the game set the stage for Sean's eventual transition from player to coach.

From Player to Coach

Sean Mannion's journey from a backup quarterback in the NFL to the Green Bay Packers' quarterbacks coach is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. After a nine-year career with teams like the Rams, Vikings, and Seahawks, Sean quickly moved into coaching. His reunion with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was his offensive coordinator during his time with the Rams, played a crucial role in this transition.

A Strategic Move by the Packers

The Packers' decision to hire Mannion was strategic. Initially set to interview with the Bears, Sean's conversation with LaFleur during a Zoom call led to an immediate offer from Green Bay. "I told him, 'Wow, that's pretty good. I think you should come up to Green Bay right when you're done with that interview,'" LaFleur recalled. This move not only brought a fresh perspective to the Packers' coaching staff but also highlighted the competitive nature of NFL coaching hires.

Building on Experience

Mannion's playing career, though not marked by extensive game time, was rich with learning opportunities. He absorbed knowledge from every coach and player he worked with, which he now leverages in his coaching role. "I really attacked my playing career with this kind of in the back of my mind, soaking up as much knowledge as I could to weaponize it for this new role I'm in here now," Sean explained.

Focusing on Fundamentals

One of Mannion's primary goals is to refine the fundamentals of the Packers' quarterbacks, particularly Jordan Love. "For him, what we're really trying to focus on, I think, is the fundamentals and the footwork," Mannion said. This focus aims to enhance consistency in accuracy, decision-making, and timing, crucial elements for any successful quarterback.

A Legacy of Coaching

John Mannion, a high school coach himself, has always supported Sean's journey. He even passed down the iconic yellow notepad to Sean when he took the coaching assistant job with the Packers. "It shows he always kind of had it, that interest [in coaching]," John noted. This legacy of coaching continues to inspire Sean as he carves out his own path in the NFL coaching world.