Joel Hilgenberg Latest Packers Assistant Coach to Resign

For the second time this offseason, a Packers assistant coach has resigned his position. Joel Hilgenberg, who worked in Green Bay from 2011-13 in various roles, announced his decision yesterday in a joint press release with the team.

Hilgenberg's decision comes just months after outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene stepped down to spend more time with his family. Likewise, Hilgenberg expressed a desire to see more of his wife and daughter.

"It has been a great experience for me to be with the Green Bay Packers these past few years, and I am thankful for the opportunity I was given. I feel that it is more important now that I have more time to spend with my wife, Jeanie, and our daughter, Anna. I will miss all of the great people in the Packers organization that I have come to know, and I wish everyone the very best in the future."

Hilgenberg's resignation signals a troubling development in Green Bay. Far too often, "spending more time with the family" is code for a rift within the coaching hierarchy. With multiple coaches stepping away within a span of just a few months, it's reasonable to wonder whether a systemic problem exists.

Fortunately for head coach Mike McCarthy, there's some time to find Hilgenberg's replacement. While the team's offseason program began this past Tuesday, assistants don't normally get involved for the first two weeks.