Packers latest coaching hire has more Aaron Rodgers ties

The Green Bay Packers’ latest coaching hire could entice Aaron Rodgers to stay, just in case he needed more convincing.

Rodgers won his fourth MVP on Thursday night — the second-most in NFL history by any individual player (Peyton Manning is first on that list with five). At 38 years old, Rodgers knows he doesn’t have a ton of time left as an NFL player, so he wants to make the most of it. That is, assuming he comes back at all.

While it’d be a stretch to say he’s pulling a Brett Favre, the similarities are there, and Rodgers wants to leave all his options on the table. No. 12 would be willing to retire if he deems his best days are behind him, or if he doesn’t like the options in front of him.

The Packers, meanwhile, are doing everything they can to convince their star quarterback to stay in Green Bay at least one more season.

Heck, they even hired his old college teammate, who happens to be an assistant special teams coordinator.

What more can Packers do to make Aaron Rodgers stay?

Nothing, really.

Special teams was a major hole for Green Bay this season, and they took care of that need by hiring Rich Bisaccia. Beyond that, all the Packers can do is wait on Rodgers’ decision and take care of their salary cap conundrum. That could involve releasing Za’Darius Smith or Preston Smith.

Rodgers’ good friend and favorite weapon Davante Adams is also a free agent this offseason, though the Packers could and likely will franchise tag him regardless of whether No. 12 opts to stay with Green Bay. Adams is the best wide receiver in football at the moment, and he deserves to be paid like it.

The Packers’ entire offseason strategy revolves around Rodgers. Brian Gutekunst and Co. have kept him in the loop at every turn, and Rodgers has stated how much he appreciates that. Hopefully for the Packers’ sake, it’s enough to invoke a return for another season.