Sylvester Croom
Running Backs
NFL Exp: 17th Season
NFL Exp: 3rd Season
(2002 Bio)
Now in his second year coaching the Packers' running backs, Sylvester Croom embarks upon his 16th season in the NFL coaching ranks.
The possessor of extensive offensive experience, Croom has spent his entire 15 previous NFL seasons on the offensive side of the ball, serving either as a running backs coach or offensive coordinator.
Croom's reputation as a successful teacher was furthered by the outstanding performance of his lead pupil in Green Bay during the 2001 campaign, Ahman Green posting a second-consecutive 1,000-yard season and leading the Packers in receptions for the second straight year as well. Green finished second in the NFC in both rushing yards (1,387) and total yards from scrimmage (1,981) - both career highs - and was named the team's Most Valuable Player, earning a slew of postseason honors, including a trip to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selection by the Associated Press.
Named to his position by Packers General Manager/Head Coach Mike Sherman on January 30, 2001, Croom came to Green Bay after four seasons as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions (1997-2000) and tenures with three other NFL teams.
Croom achieved noted success during his four years at the helm of the Lions' offense, with his 1997 troops ranking second in the NFL, running back Barry Sanders becoming the third person in league history to crack the 2,000-yard barrier, rushing for 2,053 yards, and both Herman Moore and Johnnie Morton posting more than 1,000 yards receiving. In 1999, Morton and Germaine Crowell combined for 161 receptions and 2,467 yards. Tight end David Sloan also performed well in '99, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl on the strength of 47 receptions for 591 yards, the best production from a Lions tight end in 20 years.
Prior to his tenure with the Lions, the 47-year-old Croom tutored running backs for five seasons with the San Diego Chargers (1992-96). In 1994, under Croom's guidance, second-year back Natrone Means set team records with 1,350 yards rushing and a string of five consecutive 100-yard rushing games. It was in San Diego where Croom first joined the staff of Bobby Ross, whom he followed to the Lions in 1997 as offensive coordinator.
Croom had broken into the NFL as running backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1987, coaching there for four seasons before spending one year (1991) in the same role with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native launched his profession in his home state, coaching at his alma mater, the University of Alabama, for 10 seasons (1977-86). Croom oversaw both inside (1977-81, 1984-86) and outside linebackers (1982-83) during his tenure with the Crimson Tide and enjoyed back-to-back national championship seasons in 1978-79. In addition, Alabama led the Southeastern Conference in total defense during the 1979-80 seasons.
Croom enjoyed a measure of teaching success with the Tide, with four of his players developing into National Football League first-round draft picks: E.J. Junior (1981), Mike Pitts (1983), Cornelius Bennett (1987) and the late Derrick Thomas (1989).
Croom first enjoyed achievement at Alabama as a player under Bear Bryant, starting two years at center (1973-74) and helping the Tide to a 22-2 record. Along the way, Alabama captured three straight SEC titles and the national championship in 1973. As a senior, Croom was named All-SEC and a Kodak All-American, in addition to earning the 'Jacobs Award' as the best offensive lineman in the conference. Before settling at center, Croom had stints as a linebacker, tight end and tackle. At Alabama, he earned a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in biology in 1975 as well as a master's degree in educational administration in 1977.
Croom signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 1975, playing one NFL season before going back to Tuscaloosa to gain his first experience with the Alabama staff as a graduate assistant in 1976, helping to coach the centers.
Born September 25, 1954, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Sylvester Croom, Jr., starred at Tuscaloosa high school as a linebacker and tight end. 'Sly' and his wife, Jeri, live in Green Bay. The couple has a grown daughter, Jennifer.
Coaching Background:
| Year | College/Pro Team | Position Coached |
| 1976 | Univ. of Alabama | Graduate Assistant |
| 1977-86 | Univ. of Alabama | Linebackers |
| 1987-90 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Running Backs |
| 1991 | Indianapolis Colts | Running Backs |
| 1992-96 | San Diego Chargers | Running Backs |
| 1997-2000 | Detroit Lions | Offensive Coordinator |
| 2001-03 | Green Bay Packers | Running Backs |
