Packers coordinator's son missing

[January 10, 2012]  OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) -- Authorities were searching for the 21-year-old son of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin on Monday, a day after he was reported missing following a night out with friends.

Michael T. Philbin was last heard from around 2 a.m. Sunday. Oshkosh Police spokesman Joseph Nichols said one of Michael Philbin's friends reported him missing at 8:15 p.m. Sunday.

Philbin had traveled from his home in Ripon to Oshkosh to meet friends, Nichols said. They went out together in the campus area Saturday evening but when the group decided to move on to another establishment, Michael Philbin apparently chose to stay behind, he said.

Philbin made a cellphone call to one of his friends at 2 a.m. but didn't say where he was, Nichols said. Philbin didn't sound as if he was under duress or suffering from any medical issues and the call ended amicably, Nichols said.

But he never returned to get his car on Sunday and never tried to contact anyone, prompting the call to police, Nichols said.

Investigators have checked video surveillance from campus-area establishments, contacted the county jail and area hospitals in hopes of locating him, but so far they've turned up nothing. Attempts to track his cellphone were unsuccessful and police in Ripon, about 20 miles away, turned up nothing when they went to his home, Nichols said.

Sheriff's deputies were looking into a report of cries for help from the Fox River, but investigators had not established any links to the Philbin disappearance, Nichols said. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department said divers were searching for someone who apparently fell through the ice.

The disappearance comes as the Packers prepare for Sunday's home playoff game against the New York Giants.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Philbin was in Oshkosh on Monday, and said the team has contingency plans in place if Philbin can't be there this week.

"We're supporting Joe and his family the best we can, and we're holding out hope that this comes to a positive conclusion," McCarthy said.

"The Packers organization is aware of the missing person report regarding Michael Philbin, son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Philbin family during this difficult time."

Joe Philbin has been with the Packers since 2003, and has been the team's offensive coordinator since 2007. He interviewed for the Miami Dolphins' vacant head coaching job last week.

Michael Philbin was sentenced to six months in jail in 2009 after he was convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls.

[Associated Press]

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