The Green Bay Packers’ search for a new special teams coordinator is heating up, and a clear finalist has emerged from the field. According to reports, Arizona Cardinals assistant special teams coach Sam Sewell is set to receive a second, in-person interview with the team. This development signals that Sewell is a serious contender to replace Rich Bisaccia, who surprisingly stepped down earlier this month.
Green Bay Packers May Be Close To Hiring Special Teams Coordinator
While Sewell may not be a household name for many fans, his background and connections make him a compelling candidate to take over a unit that has long been a source of frustration in Green Bay. As the Packers move into the final stages of their search, Sewell’s profile is worth a closer look.
Who is Sam Sewell?
Sam Sewell brings a blend of NFL and extensive collegiate coaching experience to the table. He spent the last three seasons as the assistant special teams coach for the Arizona Cardinals, working under veteran coordinator Jeff Rodgers. This mentorship under Rodgers, who has been coaching special teams in the NFL for nearly a quarter-century, provided Sewell with invaluable experience at the highest level.
Before his jump to the NFL, Sewell had a 13-year coaching career at the collegiate level, holding various positions and working with special teams units. This background in player development could be particularly attractive to a Packers team that relies heavily on young players to fill out their special teams rosters.
Interestingly, Sewell has a direct link to the Packers’ coaching staff. He was hired in Arizona by Jonathan Gannon, who is now Green Bay’s defensive coordinator. This pre-existing professional relationship could provide a level of familiarity and trust, making for a smoother integration into Matt LaFleur’s staff.
The Challenge in Green Bay
Taking over the Packers’ special teams is no small task. The unit has been a consistent weakness for the franchise for the better part of two decades, rarely finishing in the top half of league rankings. While Rich Bisaccia was praised for improving the culture and accountability of the group, the on-field results were still inconsistent.
The Cardinals’ special teams performance under Sewell’s watch doesn’t immediately jump off the page—they ranked 30th in special teams DVOA last season. However, context is key. The Cardinals faced one of the league’s toughest schedules and were in the midst of a full rebuild. Digging deeper, their units were more respectable in other metrics, finishing 18th in PFF’s overall special teams grade.
The primary challenges for the next coordinator are clear:
- Fix the Return Game: The Packers finished last in the league in punt-return average and were in the bottom third on kickoffs. They desperately need to find a way to generate more explosive plays.
- Stabilize the Kicking Situation: After a year of inconsistency, the Packers have a decision to make at kicker. The new coordinator will play a crucial role in evaluating talent and managing the competition.
- Develop Young Talent: The core of any good special teams unit is built with hungry players from the bottom of the roster. Sewell’s collegiate background could be a major asset in identifying and coaching up these players.
Why Sewell Could be the Answer
Hiring an up-and-coming assistant like Sam Sewell would represent a shift from the veteran presence of Bisaccia. The Packers would be betting on a younger coach with fresh ideas who is eager to prove himself as a coordinator. His connection with Gannon suggests he would be a seamless fit within the building’s culture.
While his resume doesn’t guarantee immediate success, it shows a coach who has learned from respected veterans and is ready for the next step. As the Packers conduct their final interviews, Sam Sewell has clearly positioned himself as a leading candidate to take on one of the most challenging jobs in Green Bay.
