MILWAUKEE — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan brought Matt LaFleur into the NFL and they’ve worked together at three different places. Both downplayed speculation that their friendship has cooled after Shanahan inquired about Aaron Rodgers in the off-season. 

“I think it's a little bittersweet when you're playing guys that you have a lot of respect,” said LaFleur. “Certainly, when you're playing against them, you want to beat anybody, doesn't matter who it is across the sidelines. Yeah, it is a little bittersweet because you want your friends, and people that are close to you, to do well in this profession. Unfortunately, it can never be at your demise.”

Packers Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has been a popular candidate for head coaching openings. He brings an energy and enthusiasm to his job.

“There really is nothing like the playoffs,” said Hackett. “It’s one of the greatest sporting events in the world, once you start hitting these NFL playoffs. I think all players when they go out there, the fans, are more energetic. It’s win or go home, so I think that the idea for coaches, we have to be calm under pressure. We have to be relaxed. We have to treat every day like it's the same. We’ve done a fine job getting to where we are. The idea’s just keep on rolling.”

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry likes what he’s seen from Za’Darius Smith and Jaire Alexander in practice as they come back from injuries.

“You can create things in practice, you can create drills, but until the real stuff happens on game day, you're surely not going to know,” said Barry.

Special teams coordinator Mo Drayton says his group will be ready for the weather.

“Even if we have a indoor session, we choose to go out in the elements,” said Drayton. “As specialists, we make sure we get some work in with the wind, and against the wind, and cross wind, and things of that nature. So, we look forward to that working in our favor.”

Drayton is coy about who the Packers will have returning punts Saturday night said, “we have a few options.”