Bold truth: Packers special teams have a leadership change at the top, and the ripple effects could reshape their coaching carousel this season. But here’s where it gets nuanced, and why this matters to fans and fantasy alike: Rich Bisaccia is stepping down as both special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, leaving Green Bay after a four-year run that included some notable highs and persistent, lingering mistakes.
Green Bay named Bisaccia in 2022 amid a push to fix a unit that had just suffered a blocked field goal and a blocked punt in a playoff loss. He added the assistant head coach title in 2023 and arrived with a track record from the Raiders. In his statement, Bisaccia expressed gratitude for the organization and players, underscoring the culture and dedication that defined his time with the Packers.
His departure marks the second major coordinator exit this season, following defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s move to become the Dolphins’ head coach. To replace Hafley, the Packers hired Jonathan Gannon, the former Cardinals head coach. The upcoming special teams coordinator will become the fourth to lead the unit under Matt LaFleur, who is approaching his eighth season as head coach. Earlier in the offseason, Bisaccia’s top assistant, Byron Storer, left for the Browns to become their special teams coordinator.
On the field, Bisaccia did oversee some standout performers. Punter Daniel Whelan set franchise records for both gross and net punting averages last season, and Keisean Nixon earned All-Pro recognition as a returner twice. However, the unit also faced recurring issues that have haunted Green Bay in recent years. Carlson, Bisaccia’s kicker choice, endured a rocky rookie season, highlighted by a costly missed field goal in the 2023 playoff loss to San Francisco, which helped precipitate a revolving door at the position. This season featured a potential winning field goal blocked in Week 3 against Cleveland, an extra point blocked and returned for two points in Week 4’s tie with Dallas, and a muffed onside kick in a critical sequence against Chicago in Week 16 that aided the Bears’ win. The playoff loss to Chicago also included two missed field goals and an extra point by Brandon McManus.
Bisaccia himself hinted last offseason that stepping away had crossed his mind, partly due to feeling he hadn’t fully delivered for LaFleur at times. Yet, GM Brian Gutekunst publicly voiced confidence in Bisaccia’s impact and stability, saying the Packers had been stronger on special teams in recent years and praising the culture Bisaccia helped build. LaFleur echoed that appreciation, noting Bisaccia’s substantial contributions to the team’s culture and the players’ development over four years.
As Green Bay charts this transition, questions will swirl about who will bring fresh leadership to a unit that has shown both elite moments and recurring missteps. How the next coordinator navigates special teams’ execution, gameplanning, and personnel decisions will be a telling barometer of the Packers’ overall direction this season. Will the next coach maintain Bisaccia’s focus on accountability and improvement, or will a new approach redefine the trajectory of Green Bay’s hired specialists? Share your thoughts on the changes and what you’d like to see from the next special teams coordinator.
