Rich Bisaccia is no longer with the Green Bay Packers, leaving them to find his replacement. It’s a tricky situation since most coaching spots are already filled for the 2026 NFL season. Out of eleven special teams coordinator positions filled this year, eight were former coordinators, illustrating a trend where teams favor familiar faces.
A Look at Potential Replacements
Let’s consider some candidates who might take over for Bisaccia. Here are a few noteworthy names:
Todd McMahon (Free Agent)
- Past Teams: Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders
- Average Rank: 20.0
McMahon took over from Bisaccia in Las Vegas but struggled last season, finishing 28th. He’s still looking for a new opportunity.
Chase Blackburn (Falcons Assistant)
- Past Teams: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams
- Average Rank: 23.4
Blackburn was let go by the Rams mid-season last year. He’s now an assistant, where he retains ties to Packers Coach Matt LaFleur.
Thomas McGaughey (Free Agent)
- Past Teams: New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Average Rank: 21.4
McGaughey was released after a rough run in Tampa Bay, but he has a solid track record.
Matthew Smiley (Free Agent)
- Past Teams: Buffalo Bills
- Average Rank: 14.7
Smiley had the top special teams unit in 2022, but his performance dropped in the following years. Still, he brings unique experience.
Brian Schneider (Commanders Assistant)
- Past Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers
- Average Rank: 24.4
Schneider is a Pete Carroll disciple and has worked extensively in the NFL. His track record, however, is inconsistent.
Colt Anderson (49ers Assistant)
- 2024 Ranking: 32nd
Anderson’s lone season in charge ended with his unit at the bottom of the rankings. His experience as an assistant doesn’t inspire much confidence.
- 2024 Ranking: 32nd
Trends and Insights
Statistically, almost all filled positions this year feature coaches who’ve previously held a special teams role. This repetition suggests teams prefer stability. Interestingly, NFL teams often lean toward hiring coaches familiar with their systems, leading to fewer opportunities for fresh faces.
In fact, only one candidate—Matthew Smiley—has an above-average history, but his recent performance raises questions. It might be time for the Packers to consider a first-time coordinator to bring fresh ideas.
User Reactions
Fans on social media express frustration over the lack of new talent in coaching roles. Many are concerned about the impact this has on team performance and morale. The Packers’ search for a coordinator is emblematic of a larger trend in the league where innovation seems stifled by a reliance on past relationships and familiarity.
Conclusion
The path ahead for the Packers may require a leap of faith. Selecting an inexperienced face, while risky, could inject new life into their special teams. Current trends reflect a cycle that’s hard to break, but sometimes a fresh perspective is exactly what’s needed.
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