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NFL

Green Bay Packers Set To Interview Ex-NFL Linebacker For Special Teams Coordinator

Green Bay Packers Sebastian Barrie, Brenton Cox Jr. passes away, Nick Niemann, Don Majkowski, Joe Barry, Christian Watson
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of an Green Bay Packers helmet prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers are on the hunt for a new special teams coordinator, and they are turning to a familiar face as a potential candidate. Following the departure of veteran coach Rich Bisaccia, the team is set to interview Kyle Wilber, a former NFL linebacker who has been working directly under Bisaccia for the past two seasons.

This move signals a potential shift in strategy for head coach Matt LaFleur, who is considering a mix of experienced coaches and up-and-coming talent. Wilber, 36, falls squarely into the latter category, and his deep ties to the Packers’ recent special teams system make him an intriguing option to lead the unit forward.

Green Bay Packers Set To Interview Kyle Wilbur

A fourth-round draft pick in 2012, Wilber carved out a 10-year NFL career by making himself indispensable on special teams. He understood early on that his ticket to a long career was excelling in the game’s third phase, and he played more than twice as many snaps on special teams as he did on defense.

This player-first perspective is invaluable. Wilber knows what it takes to succeed in the demanding, often overlooked, world of special teams. He can relate to the players on a personal level because he has been in their shoes, fighting for a roster spot by making tackles on kickoffs and punts.

The Rich Bisaccia Connection

Wilber’s connection to former coordinator Rich Bisaccia is extensive and runs deep. The two have been linked for years, starting in Dallas where Bisaccia was the special teams coordinator and Wilber was one of his top players from 2013 to 2017. When Bisaccia moved to the Raiders in 2018, Wilber followed him, continuing to be a key contributor and leader on his units.

Most recently, Wilber served as a quality control coach under Bisaccia in Green Bay for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Bisaccia himself praised this dynamic, noting that having former players like Wilber on his staff helped bridge the gap between coaches and players. This deep-rooted familiarity with Bisaccia’s system could allow for a seamless transition while still bringing a fresh perspective to the role.

What This Hire Could Mean for Green Bay

Hiring Wilber would represent a commitment to continuity while also promoting a young, hungry coach. The Packers’ special teams have been a source of frustration for years, consistently ranking in the bottom half of the league. While Bisaccia brought a level of respect and stability, the results never consistently improved.

Wilber offers the chance to build on the foundation Bisaccia laid, but with the energy and perspective of a recently retired player. He understands the “all-trust team” mentality that Bisaccia preached because he lived it. As a former team captain known for his leadership, Wilber has the credentials to command the respect of the locker room.

The Packers will interview other candidates, but Kyle Wilber’s unique background and history with the organization make him a serious contender. This will be a critical hire for Matt LaFleur as he looks to finally turn the Packers’ special teams from a liability into an asset.