Rich Bisaccia Set to Return to Clemson as Special Teams Coordinator

Rich Bisaccia, the former special teams coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, is poised to return to Clemson University as their new special teams coordinator, pending approval from the school's board of trustees. Bisaccia, who stepped down from his role with the Packers on February 17, 2026, is not retiring but is instead seeking a new opportunity in college football, specifically under Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. This move marks a significant transition for Bisaccia, who has spent the last two decades coaching at the NFL level.

New Rich Bisaccia Rumor Isn't a Surprise After Packers ExitSports IllustratedUSA TodayRich Bisaccia, who left the Packers, reportedly close to Clemson job247SportsThe State

Bisaccia, 65, has an extensive coaching history, having served as a special teams coordinator for several NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders. He notably led the Raiders as interim head coach in 2021, guiding them to a playoff berth. His previous experience at Clemson includes coaching running backs and special teams from 1994 to 1998. This return to Clemson represents a full-circle moment for Bisaccia, who has deep ties to the state, having also worked at South Carolina earlier in his career.

The Clemson InsiderClemson, Dabo Swinney pull off major move to fix Clemson's special teams problemNBC SportsSports IllustratedThe StateUSA Today

Clemson's special teams unit has faced significant struggles in recent seasons, particularly under former coordinator Will Gilchrist, who left for a position at Samford. The Tigers allowed eight blocked kicks in the 2024 season, tying for the worst in the nation. Swinney has publicly expressed frustration with the unit's performance, indicating a need for a more experienced leader to address these issues. Bisaccia's hiring is seen as a strategic move to consolidate leadership and improve the special teams' effectiveness.

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Dabo Swinney has hinted at the urgency of finalizing Bisaccia's hiring, stating he was "close" to making a decision. The approval process for Bisaccia's contract is expected to be straightforward, given the financial backing indicated by the need for board approval. Swinney's decision to bring in Bisaccia reflects a broader strategy to enhance the coaching staff's experience and effectiveness, particularly after a disappointing 7-6 season in 2025.

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While the hiring of Bisaccia has been largely welcomed, some critics point to the challenges he may face transitioning back to college football after two decades in the NFL. Concerns have been raised about the evolving landscape of college football, including player dynamics and coaching expectations, which differ significantly from the professional level. However, Bisaccia's extensive experience and familiarity with the Clemson program are expected to mitigate these challenges.

New Rich Bisaccia Rumor Isn't a Surprise After Packers Exit

Pending board approval, Bisaccia's hiring is anticipated to be finalized shortly, allowing him to begin preparations for the upcoming season. His leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on discipline and execution to Clemson's special teams, aiming to rectify past mistakes and enhance the team's overall performance as they enter the 2026 season.

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