The Packers’ eleventh appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated came during Training Camp ’68... the first for the successor to Vince Lombardi’s head coaching position, former defensive coordinator Phil Bengston. On the cover, a close-up of eventual Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Nitschke is pictured, along with the headline: “Green Bay’s Best Team Ever,” (by Ray Nitschke). While having not had the opportunity to read the accompanying article, the headline would not fit that year’s Packers’ team, nor any of the Phil Bengston-led teams.
Bengtson’s low-key approach was in sharp contrast to the often-volatile Lombardi. With the aging of key players, this translated into mediocrity for the franchise. For the 1968 season, the optimism of the Sports Illustrated cover ended with a 6-7-1 record, good enough for only third in the NFL Central. Bengston’s Packers were 20-21-1 in his three seasons as head coach. After a 6-8 record in 1970, he was relieved of his duties, replaced by Missouri head coach Dan Devine.
Bengston resurfaced with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, becoming the interim head coach of the Patriots in late 1972. Later, he was named the team's Director of Pro Scouting, staying through the 1974 season.
Phil Bengtson died at age 81 after a long illness at his home in San Diego on December 18, 1994.
