Full Breakdown
Green Bay Packers Seek New Special Teams Coordinator Following Rich Bisaccia's Departure
2/19/2026, 11:59:16 PM
Rich Bisaccia Steps Down
On February 18, 2026, Rich Bisaccia announced his decision to step down as the Green Bay Packers' special teams coordinator and assistant head coach after four seasons. Bisaccia's tenure was marked by mixed results, with the team's special teams units ranking 29th in expected points added during the 2025 season. His departure comes as a surprise, particularly given that all other special teams coordinator vacancies in the NFL had already been filled by this time.
In his statement, Bisaccia expressed gratitude towards the Packers organization, stating, “Coaching for the Green Bay Packers was truly an honor, and I will always be grateful for my time here.” Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Bisaccia's contributions, noting his profound impact on players and the team's culture. However, the timing of Bisaccia's exit raises questions about whether he left voluntarily or was pressured to resign.
Performance Under Bisaccia
Bisaccia joined the Packers in 2022 after a successful stint as interim head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite initial improvements, the Packers' special teams struggled to achieve consistent performance. Under Bisaccia, the special teams ranked 30th overall across his four seasons, with notable failures including missed kicks in critical playoff moments. The unit's performance was particularly scrutinized after a playoff loss to the Chicago Bears, where kicker Brandon McManus missed multiple attempts.
While Bisaccia was praised for developing players like All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon and punter Daniel Whelan, the overall inconsistency of the special teams unit led to dissatisfaction among fans and analysts alike. Many believed a change was necessary, although the timing of Bisaccia's resignation complicates the search for his replacement.
Candidates for Replacement
In the wake of Bisaccia's departure, the Packers have begun their search for a new special teams coordinator. Cameron Achord, former special teams coordinator for the New England Patriots, and Kyle Wilber, a former player and assistant under Bisaccia, are among the candidates being considered. Achord's tenure with the Patriots included a top-ranked special teams unit in 2020, but his performance declined in subsequent years. Wilber, who has a strong connection to Bisaccia, has not previously held a coordinator role.
The Packers' search is hindered by the late timing of Bisaccia's resignation, as many top candidates have already secured positions with other teams. This situation leaves the Packers with limited options as they aim to improve a unit that has historically struggled.
Criticism and Future Implications
Critics of Bisaccia's tenure point to the Packers' ongoing special teams issues, which have persisted for over a decade. While some fans are relieved by his departure, others express concern about the lack of viable candidates available at this stage in the offseason. The Packers must now navigate a challenging hiring process to find a suitable replacement who can address the longstanding deficiencies in their special teams play.
As the team prepares for the 2026 season, the effectiveness of their next hire will be crucial. The Packers are on the cusp of Super Bowl contention, and resolving their special teams issues could be pivotal in their pursuit of a championship. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the organization can successfully fill the void left by Bisaccia and implement the necessary changes to enhance their special teams performance.
