Green Bay Packers offensive coach Joe Philbin not with team as he grieves loss of son - NFL Update
Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, will not be returning anytime soon and has been given indefinite leave by the franchise in wake of the death of his son, Michael Philbin.
Michael Philbin went missing on Sunday, January 8, 2012, in the Wisconsin University Oshkosh's campus area, and the offensive coordinator left to search for his son.
On Tuesday, news was revealed to reporters that a body was found in the Fox River by police who confirmed that it was Michael and that the death was a result of drowning.
The police feel that there was no evidence of any suspicious activities related to the death and it was an accident that led to the tragic loss.
An emotional coach, Mike McCarthy, in his press conference on Wednesday, termed the loss a reality check and said that his offensive coordinator can take time off for as long as he likes.
"Joe Philbin is where he's supposed to be", McCarthy said.
"Frankly, Joe and I haven't even talked about his responsibility -- and will not. He's with his family and he'll return when he feels he's ready to return".
The Green Bay Packers are practicing for their divisional playoff round game against the New York Giants on Sunday, but Joe Philbin was not at the training ground to prepare the team.
McCarthy however, talked to his players about their professional responsibilities and was pleased with the progress on the training ground.
"It really goes in line with the family-first philosophy, everybody’s feeling it. There's no question on what level. That's really for the individual (players) to speak on. But professionally, I've been very pleased with what we've been able to accomplish".
The funeral of the offensive coordinator’s son will be held on Friday and many of the Packers' players are expected to be in attendance.
Wide Receiver, Greg Jennings, quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and offensive lineman, T.J Lang, who had lost his father recently, collectively told the media that they will be there to support their coach to help him deal with his great loss.
Giants coach, Tom Coughlin, in his press conference was also saddened by the tragic news and extended his heartfelt commiserations to the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator.
The Green Bay Packers are the favourite team to lift the Super Bowl this year and will look to bag their second straight championship after last year’s win, but have to get past a tough New York Giants' team, that dominated their wildcard round match against
the Atlanta Falcons, winning 24-2.
The Packers' preparations for their match on Sunday are not expected to be effected by Joe Philbin’s absence, while McCarthy will see to it that his team is fired up for the postseason game and dedicate their victory to Joe Philbin and his family.
Tags: