Just 12 hours after taking the job, Packers special teams coach Cam Achord made the move to release kicker Brandon McManus and officially sign the franchise-record 61-yard FG kicker at one-third of the current cost.

Just 12 hours after officially being introduced as the Green Bay Packers’ new special teams coordinator, Achord reportedly played a key role in one of the franchise’s most decisive offseason moves — the release of veteran kicker Brandon McManus and the formal signing of Lucas Havrisik at a fraction of the cost.

The Packers plan to hire Cam Achord as their special teams coordinator, per sources.

Achord, 39, won Super Bowl LIII with the Patriots and most recently was the Giants’ assistant special teams coach. Now, he replaces Rich Bisaccia in Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/Aq9Xzr7hlt

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 27, 2026

The move signals a dramatic shift in direction for a special teams unit that struggled throughout the 2025 season and collapsed in critical postseason moments.

McManus, who signed a three-year deal worth up to $15.3 million in the 2025 offseason, had two years remaining on his contract. His $1 million roster bonus was approaching, and with a cap hit north of $20 million over the next two seasons, Green Bay faced a difficult financial decision.

After a regular season in which McManus converted 24 of 30 field goals (80%) and missed multiple extra points, his postseason performance proved even more costly. In the wild-card loss, he missed two field goals and an extra point — a seven-point swing in a four-point defeat.

Sources indicate Achord was heavily involved in early special teams evaluations upon arrival, emphasizing competition and accountability. Within hours, discussions reportedly turned toward a cheaper, younger alternative.

That alternative became Lucas Havrisik.

Havrisik, who signed a futures contract after the 2025 playoffs, has now secured an official deal reportedly worth roughly one-third of McManus’ annual average salary. The financial flexibility gained could allow Green Bay to allocate cap space elsewhere — potentially reinforcing other areas of need.

Achord is known for valuing consistency, mechanics, and mental resilience in specialists. Team insiders suggest he preferred a reset at the position rather than attempting to rehabilitate McManus’ confidence following a turbulent season.

The decision also reflects a broader cultural message: no position is safe, and performance matters.

While McManus remains one of the more experienced kickers in the league, Green Bay appears ready to move forward with a fresh start under Achord’s leadership.

The message is clear — a new era for Packers special teams has begun, and it started with a swift, high-impact decision.