The Green Bay Packers are in a special teams crisis, and it’s not just because Rich Bisaccia, their long-time coordinator, has stepped down. Here’s the shocking part: Bisaccia’s departure came after all 11 other NFL special teams coordinator vacancies were filled, leaving the Packers with a dwindling pool of options. But here’s where it gets controversial—among the remaining candidates, there’s a mix of retreads, interim failures, and even a few names that might make you scratch your head. Are the Packers doomed to mediocrity, or is there a hidden gem waiting to be discovered? Let’s dive into the stats and stories behind the potential replacements, and trust me, this is the part most people miss—the universe seems to be conspiring against Green Bay’s special teams. Could it be karma? Or just bad luck? Let’s find out.
First, let’s set the stage. Bisaccia’s exit wasn’t just a loss; it was a late-game shake-up. Of the 11 new hires across the league, eight were already NFL special teams coordinators in 2025, just with different teams. That leaves only three ‘new’ faces, but even they aren’t exactly fresh. Take Joe DeCamillis, for example. Sure, he was with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he’s a 30-year NFL veteran. Calling him a newcomer would be a stretch. The only two truly new coordinators are Byron Storer, Bisaccia’s former right-hand man who landed with the Cleveland Browns, and Anthony Levine, a former Packers player promoted within the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s the kicker: the only two new faces in the league are tied to the Packers. Coincidence? Or is the universe sending a message?
Now, let’s talk numbers. To understand where the Packers stand, we need to look at the resumes of available coordinators from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. NFL hiring trends suggest the Packers will likely go for a retread—someone who’s coached in the league recently. So, we’ll analyze their performance over the last five years using DVOA special teams rankings. But before we get to the candidates, let’s establish a baseline with Bisaccia’s record.
Rich Bisaccia’s Legacy:
- 2021: Las Vegas Raiders (21st)
- 2022: Green Bay Packers (17th)
- 2023: Green Bay Packers (31st)
- 2024: Green Bay Packers (15th)
- 2025: Green Bay Packers (21st)
Average: 21.0
Bisaccia’s average ranking of 21st isn’t disastrous, but that 31st-place finish in 2023 was a low point. His strength was in coverage, with the Packers ranking second-best in both punts and kickoffs in 2025, per DVOA. However, the other phases dragged down his overall performance. Now, let’s meet the contenders.
1. Todd McMahon (Free Agent):
- 2021: Denver Broncos (30th)
- 2022: Las Vegas Raiders (12th)
- 2023: Las Vegas Raiders (13th)
- 2024: Las Vegas Raiders (17th)
- 2025: Las Vegas Raiders (28th)
Average: 20.0
McMahon replaced Bisaccia in Las Vegas and averaged a solid 14.0 ranking under Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce. However, his performance plummeted in 2025 under Pete Carroll, leading to his mid-season firing. Is he a victim of circumstance, or is this a red flag?
2. Chase Blackburn (Falcons Assistant Special Teams Coach):
- 2020: Carolina Panthers (16th)
- 2021: Carolina Panthers (24th)
- 2023: Los Angeles Rams (32nd)
- 2024: Los Angeles Rams (19th)
- 2025: Los Angeles Rams (26th)
Average: 23.4
Blackburn was fired mid-season by Sean McVay in 2025, and the unit didn’t improve under his replacement. Now an assistant in Atlanta, his resume raises questions. Can he turn things around, or is he past his prime?
3. Thomas McGaughey (Free Agent):
- 2021: New York Giants (11th)
- 2022: New York Giants (22nd)
- 2023: New York Giants (21st)
- 2024: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26th)
- 2025: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27th)
Average: 21.4
McGaughey was let go by the Buccaneers after the 2025 season, who then signed veteran Danny Smith. His recent decline is concerning, but does he still have what it takes?
4. Marquice Williams (Free Agent):
- 2021: Atlanta Falcons (22nd)
- 2022: Atlanta Falcons (5th)
- 2023: Atlanta Falcons (27th)
- 2024: Atlanta Falcons (29th)
- 2025: Atlanta Falcons (29th)
Average: 22.4
Williams had a standout year in 2022 but has otherwise struggled, averaging a 26.8 ranking. Is his one good year enough to warrant a second look?
5. Matthew Smiley (Free Agent):
- 2022: Buffalo Bills (1st)
- 2023: Buffalo Bills (15th)
- 2024: Buffalo Bills (28th)
Average: 14.7
Smiley’s resume is a rollercoaster, going from 1st to 15th to 28th in three years. He’s been out of the league since 2024, but his connection to Cory Harkey, the Packers’ current special teams coach, could be intriguing. Is he a high-risk, high-reward candidate?
6. Brian Schneider (Commanders Assistant Special Teams Coordinator):
- 2019: Seattle Seahawks (20th)
- 2021: Jacksonville Jaguars (31st)
- 2022: San Francisco 49ers (15th)
- 2023: San Francisco 49ers (25th)
- 2024: San Francisco 49ers (31st)
Average: 24.4
Schneider, a Pete Carroll protégé, has had an up-and-down career. His recent struggles in San Francisco are hard to ignore. Can he rebound, or is his best work behind him?
7. Colt Anderson (49ers Assistant Special Teams Coordinator):
- 2024: Tennessee Titans (32nd)
Average: 32.0
Anderson’s lone season as a coordinator ended with the Titans ranking dead last. While he’s now an assistant with the 49ers, that 32nd-place finish is a tough stain to wash off.
8. Ben Kotwica (Broncos Senior Special Teams Assistant):
- 2019: Atlanta Falcons (28th)
- 2020: Atlanta Falcons (20th)
- 2023: Denver Broncos (9th)
- 2024: Denver Broncos (4th)
- 2025: Los Angeles Rams (interim, 26th)
Average: 17.4
Kotwica had success in Denver but struggled as the Rams’ interim coordinator in 2025. His muffed punt in the NFC Championship Game is a blemish on his resume. Can he recover from that mistake?
Final Rankings:
1. 14.7: Matthew Smiley (Free Agent)
2. 17.4: Ben Kotwica (Broncos Senior Special Teams Assistant)
3. 20.0: Todd McMahon (Free Agent)
4. 21.0: Rich Bisaccia
5. 21.4: Thomas McGaughey (Free Agent)
6. 22.4: Marquice Williams (Free Agent)
7. 23.4: Chase Blackburn (Falcons Assistant Special Teams Coach)
8. 24.4: Brian Schneider (Commanders Assistant Special Teams Coordinator)
9. 32.0: Colt Anderson (49ers Assistant Special Teams Coordinator)
The only candidate with an above-average resume is Matthew Smiley, but even he’s a gamble. Here’s the million-dollar question: Should the Packers take a chance on a first-timer, or settle for a retread with underwhelming credentials? The NFL is a league of second chances, especially for special teams coordinators, but this late in the hiring cycle, the options are less than inspiring. What do you think? Is there a hidden gem in this list, or should the Packers look elsewhere? Let the debate begin!
