Packers narrow down the list of candidates to replace special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, but the unfavorable timing complicates the replacement plan.

Fans wanted change — and they got it.

After four seasons with the organization, Rich Bisaccia stepped down from his roles as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, signaling the end of a tenure that produced mixed results and mounting frustration.

“After taking some time to reflect over the last few weeks, I have made the decision to step down as the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator of the Green Bay Packers,” Bisaccia said in a statement. “I am incredibly grateful to Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Ed Policy and Mark Murphy for their unwavering trust and support throughout my time in Green Bay. I am also thankful to the players for their consistent work and relentless effort to improve every single day. I would like to thank everyone in the organization for their dedication and commitment. The people in this building make it a special place to work.”

Timing Makes Things Complicated

While Bisaccia’s departure offers a clean slate, the timing leaves head coach Matt LaFleur in a challenging position.

Special teams struggles were a recurring issue under Bisaccia. Critical mistakes played decisive roles in at least two of the last three playoff exits — including costly missed kicks against the San Francisco 49ers following the 2023 season and another pivotal miss against the Chicago Bears last month. The Packers finished the 2025 campaign ranked 21st in special teams DVOA.

The change may be necessary, but Bisaccia’s delayed decision compresses LaFleur’s window to secure a replacement.

“While we are disappointed to lose a person and coach as valuable as Rich, we respect his decision to step down from the Packers,” LaFleur said. “Rich was a tremendous resource to me and our entire coaching staff who had a profound impact on our players and our culture throughout the building.”

Bisaccia was LaFleur’s third special teams coordinator, following unsuccessful stints from Shawn Mennenga and Maurice Drayton — underscoring the persistent instability in that phase of the game.

Replacement Options on the Table

Green Bay’s most natural internal successor might have been Byron Storer, the former assistant special teams coach, but he has already accepted a coordinator role with the Cleveland Browns. That leaves quality control coach Cory Harkey as the only remaining staff member currently tied to special teams.

Externally, experience could guide the decision. Ben Kotwica, now the Baltimore Ravens’ senior special teams assistant, stands out as a strong candidate. Kotwica finished last season as the Los Angeles Rams’ interim special teams coordinator after Sean McVay dismissed Chase Blackburn.

Other viable options include assistant special teams coaches from successful units around the league: Devin Fitzsimmons of the Seattle Seahawks, Kevin O’Dea of the New York Jets, and Joe Hastings of the Indianapolis Colts.

Another intriguing possibility is Joe Judge — former New England Patriots special teams coordinator and ex-New York Giants head coach. Judge is currently serving as quarterbacks coach at Ole Miss, and it remains unclear whether he would consider returning to special teams duties in the NFL.

A Necessary Change, Poorly Timed

The Packers clearly needed improvement on special teams. That much was evident from repeated postseason disappointments and middling statistical rankings.

However, the delayed nature of Bisaccia’s departure narrows the available candidate pool and places additional pressure on LaFleur to get the hire right — this time.

With playoff aspirations still intact and expectations rising, Green Bay cannot afford another misstep in a phase that has too often undermined its broader success.

Now, LaFleur faces one of the more critical hires of his tenure — and several paths remain open.

The next decision could determine whether special teams remains a vulnerability — or finally becomes a strength.