Report: Philbin to interview with Kansas City

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has never been a head coach at any level, but on Wednesday night he reportedly will interview for the Kansas City Chiefs' vacant head coaching position.

Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Chiefs had "several interviews" already before deciding to bring in Philbin.

"I think the world of Joe Philbin," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday. "The job that he's done here speaks for itself. We have an outstanding coaching staff and I'm very proud of that."

Asked specifically if Philbin was in fact interviewing for the Kansas City job, McCarthy said, "I think I'm aware of what's going on. But I don't think it's my place to speak on it."

The Chiefs fired coach Todd Haley after the team started this season with a 5-8 record. Romeo Crennel, who had been Kansas City's defensive coordinator, served as interim head coach for the final three games and went 2-1. One of those wins was against then-undefeated Green Bay in Week 15, as the Chiefs handed the Packers their only loss of the regular season.

Philbin, 50, has been with Green Bay since 2003, beginning as the assistant offensive line coach. He served as tight ends coach from 2004-05 and then as offensive line coach in 2006. After one season in that role, Philbin was named offensive coordinator by McCarthy.

"He's definitely fully capable of being a head coach," Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings said of Philbin, who also has been mentioned as a candidate for the Miami Dolphins' head coaching position. "I think one of the number one things that Joe has done from my time being here, he's learned how to not only go across the board as far as knowing every position, but he's learned how to be an offensive coordinator."

The one aspect of Philbin's role as Green Bay's offensive coordinator that is different from the same spot with most NFL teams is that he is not the offensive play-caller. That role is executed by McCarthy.

"Joe has done everything; he's kind of been like a quarterback," Jennings said. "A quarterback kind of sits back and absorbs everything, and he takes on the brunt of everything during the week. He's like that behind-the-scenes guy, the quality-control guy. They do so much, but they don't get hardly any of the recognition. Joe's like that. He does a ton.

"He runs all the walk-throughs, the meetings, all of that is Joe Philbin. He's comfortable being in front of the team and in front of the group, so he's going to be fine in that respect."

Philbin played college football as a tight end for Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania in 1980 and has his master's degree in education from Tulane University.

Prior to joining the Packers, Philbin was exclusively a college coach, holding jobs at Tulane, Worcester Tech, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Allegheny College, Ohio University, Northeastern University, Harvard and Iowa.

Under Philbin this season, Green Bay had the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense. In his first four years as the Packers' offensive coordinator, their 1,703 total points were the most in franchise history over a four-year period.

"Hopefully it works out for him," Jennings said. "I would hate to see him leave, but it's a business. That's what it's all about is guys moving up. He has an opportunity and good luck to him. Hopefully, he stays, but hopefully it works out for whatever he wants."

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