Packers take big step towards fixing special teams
The Green Bay Packers‘ special teams needed serious change in the offseason.
Well, it seems the Packers agree. The team has taken the first step to improve this phase of the game.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers are expected to hire Rich Bisaccia. He was the special teams coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders and interim head coach after Jon Gruden was fired earlier this season.
The #Packers are expected to hire former #Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia as their new special teams coach, sources say. The unit was an issue in GB last year, and coach Matt LaFleur goes a long way toward fixing it. Bisaccia is universally respected.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2022
Bisaccia brings much-needed experience to Green Bay. He has spent the past 20 years as a special teams coordinator in the NFL. Many Raiders players spoke highly of him this past season as he took over as the interim head coach.
Hiring Bisaccia is a sign of intent from the Packers. It shows they understand a change of approach is needed on special teams. Rather than going for a more affordable option such as promoting from within, they have gone out and made a big hire.
It’s just one step, although an important one.
More work will be required this offseason to ensure there is a better plan on special teams. That includes making offseason additions, whether via the draft or free agency, with players who can improve the Packers’ special teams.
Among the decisions Bisaccia, head coach Matt LaFleur, and general manager Brian Gutekunst will need to make this offseason is the future at the three specialist positions — kicker, punter, and long snapper.
Kicker Mason Crosby struggled this season with nine missed field goals, his worst year since 2012. Punter Corey Bojorquez had a solid 2021 season but is now set to become a free agent. The Packers had all sorts of problems at long snapper throughout the year. Change is almost certain there.
A big job lies ahead this offseason to fix the issues on special teams, but the Packers have made a good start by hiring Bisaccia.