If you have never heard the name, Tom Clements has been an under the radar unsung hero in the NFL quarterback coaching ranks, consistently elevating the play of quarterbacks under his tutelage. Tom Clements’ journey through football is both unique and distinguished, shaped by success as both a player and a coach. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Clements attended Canevin Catholic High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. He was even offered a basketball scholarship to North Carolina but chose to focus on football, becoming the only athlete in Canevin history to have his jersey retired. His talent as a quarterback continued to shine at the University of Notre Dame, where he led the team to a national championship in 1973 and earned a first-team All-American honor in 1974. Clements’ impressive college career included a memorable performance in the Sugar Bowl, securing a victory over Alabama, and a fourth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.
Clements’ professional career took him to the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he played for the Ottawa Rough Riders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. As a quarterback, Clements achieved significant success, winning a Grey Cup with Ottawa in 1976 and leading the CFL in passing yards in 1979. He became one of the league’s most respected quarterbacks, finishing his career with over 39,000 passing yards and 252 touchdowns. Clements was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 1987 and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1994. His ability to bounce back from a rocky start with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and rejuvenate his career with the Tiger-Cats and Blue Bombers is a testament to his skill and ability to overcome odds.
In 1997, Clements transitioned to coaching, taking on the role of quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints, marking the start of a long and successful NFL coaching career. He would go on to coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Buffalo Bills before making his mark with the Green Bay Packers. Clements is perhaps best known for his work with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre. Under his guidance, Rodgers developed into one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, winning two MVP awards and leading the Packers to a Super Bowl victory. Clements also played a key role in the development of Matt Flynn, helping him set Packers’ records with 480 yards and 6 touchdowns in a game during the 2011 season.
After his time with the Packers, Clements took a brief hiatus from the NFL before joining the Arizona Cardinals as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2019. There, he worked with rookie Kyler Murray, who went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Following a short break, Clements rejoined the Packers in 2022, where he mentored Jordan Love as the young quarterback stepped into the starting role. Love went on to post over 4,000 passing yards and 32 touchdowns in his first season as a starter, further cementing Clements’ reputation as an elite quarterback coach.
As Clements retires from coaching, his legacy is one of quiet but profound influence. Over the course of his career, he helped develop some of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, including Rodgers, Murray, and Love, leaving an indelible mark on the NFL. Clements’ unique blend of quarterback experience, coaching acumen, and personal resilience has made him one of the most respected figures in the coaching community. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his impact on the game and the players he mentored will be felt for years to come.