Report: Packers' hire of Tom Clements doesn't guarantee Aaron Rodgers return

It was reported earlier on Thursday that the Green Bay Packers were bringing former assistant Tom Clements out of retirement to serve as quarterbacks coach in an apparent attempt to convince Aaron Rodgers to remain with the organization for at least one more season. 

Clements worked with Rodgers for a decade before the 68-year-old spent time away from the NFL following the 2016 campaign, but it appears his comeback may not offer any insight into what the future Hall of Famer is thinking about his immediate future. 

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports Clements verbally accepted the Green Bay job on Thursday but that his return "doesn't guarantee" that Rodgers, the newly crowned four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, will play another down for the organization. 

Clements will replace Luke Getsy, who became offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears late last month. 

Demovsky adds that, as of Thursday, a source says: "Rodgers had not informed the Packers about his plans for the 2022 season — whether to return to Green Bay, request a trade or retire." 

In his piece, Demovsky notes how Rodgers routinely credited Clements in interviews as recently as ahead of the January home playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers that the Packers lost. Clements, meanwhile, didn't coach in the NFL after the 2016 season until he linked up with the Arizona Cardinals as passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the 2019 and 2020 seasons ahead of his initial retirement. 

It's unclear if Clements would remain with the Packers if Rodgers moves on, one way or another, this winter or spring.