As the Green Bay Packers navigate their offseason, one of the most contentious topics is the fate of special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia. While Bisaccia is well-respected within the organization and the locker room, the Packers’ special teams performance has left much to be desired. With head coach Matt LaFleur’s contract extension finalized, the spotlight now shifts to Bisaccia and whether he will remain in Green Bay for the 2026 season.
A Locker Room Favorite For The Green Bay Packers
Rich Bisaccia’s reputation as a leader and motivator is well-documented. Players and staff alike have praised his ability to connect with the team and foster a positive culture. Former Packers fullback John Kuhn recently stated on a podcast that “everyone in that building believes in Rich Bisaccia.” This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Bisaccia is held, not just as a coach but as a person.
Bisaccia’s extensive NFL experience has also been a valuable asset for a relatively young coaching staff. His leadership was particularly evident during his time as interim head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, where he guided the team to a playoff berth under challenging circumstances.
The Special Teams Struggles
Despite his leadership qualities, Bisaccia’s tenure as the Packers’ special teams coordinator has been marred by inconsistent performance. In the 2025 season, Green Bay’s special teams ranked 18th according to Pro Football Focus, a middling position that doesn’t tell the full story of the unit’s struggles.
The Packers’ special teams miscues were glaring in critical moments. In their Wild Card loss to the Chicago Bears, kicker Brandon McManus missed two field goals and an extra point, while the return game failed to provide any spark. Earlier in the season, a blocked field goal against the Cleveland Browns and a blocked extra point against the Dallas Cowboys directly contributed to losses that ultimately cost the Packers the NFC North title.
These high-profile errors have led many fans to question Bisaccia’s effectiveness. While the Packers have shown improvement in certain areas, such as punt and kickoff coverage, the overall inconsistency has been a source of frustration.
Organizational Philosophy: A Barrier to Success?
One of the challenges Bisaccia faces is the Packers’ organizational philosophy. Green Bay has long prioritized a “draft and develop” approach, often at the expense of special teams. The team has been reluctant to allocate roster spots to players who specialize in return duties or other niche roles, instead focusing on developing young talent for offense and defense.
This lack of investment in special teams personnel has limited Bisaccia’s ability to field competitive units. For example, the Packers ranked 28th in punt return DVOA in 2025, a reflection of their minimal effort to find a dedicated return specialist. While the team’s punt and kickoff coverage units have been solid, the return game and field goal protection have lagged behind.
The Case for Retaining Bisaccia
Supporters of Bisaccia argue that he has done well given the constraints imposed by the organization. The Packers’ punt and kickoff coverage units ranked among the league’s best in 2025, a testament to Bisaccia’s coaching acumen. Additionally, his ability to adapt and make the most of limited resources has earned him respect within the league.
There’s also the question of continuity. Firing Bisaccia would mean starting over with a new coordinator, which could disrupt the progress made in certain areas. For a team that has struggled with special teams for decades, maintaining stability might be the best path forward.
The Case for Moving On
Critics, however, believe that Bisaccia’s time in Green Bay should come to an end. They point to the unit’s repeated failures in high-stakes situations as evidence that a change is needed. The missed field goals, blocked kicks, and lack of explosive plays in the return game have cost the Packers dearly, including in the playoffs.
Some fans have also questioned the decision to make Bisaccia one of the highest-paid special teams coordinators in the NFL, given the unit’s underwhelming results. If the Packers are unwilling to invest in special teams personnel, they may see little value in retaining a high-priced coordinator.
What’s Next for Bisaccia and the Packers?
As the Packers evaluate their coaching staff, Bisaccia’s future remains uncertain. The decision will likely hinge on whether the organization believes he can continue to improve the special teams within the constraints of their roster philosophy. If not, they may opt for a fresh start with a new coordinator.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the Packers must address their special teams issues if they hope to compete at the highest level. Whether that means retaining Bisaccia and providing him with more resources or moving in a new direction, the stakes are high for a team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
