Packers Enter Offseason with Uncertainty Around Rich Bisaccia and Special Teams
The Green Bay Packers are heading into an offseason filled with more questions than answers-especially when it comes to their special teams unit and the future of coordinator Rich Bisaccia.
General manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t offer much in the way of clarity during his recent media availability, saying discussions are still ongoing about Bisaccia’s role moving forward. That leaves the door open for possible changes, whether in title, responsibility, or even personnel.
“We’re still working through it,” Gutekunst said. “Nothing’s been finalized.”
That’s a far cry from the usual offseason routine, where coaching roles are locked in early. For Bisaccia, who joined the Packers in 2022 and brought a much-needed edge and structure to a long-struggling unit, the uncertainty is notable.
Special Teams Still a Work in Progress
When Bisaccia arrived, the hope was that he’d finally stabilize a special teams group that had been wildly inconsistent for years. And to his credit, there have been flashes of improvement-better coverage units, more discipline, and a general sense of accountability. But consistency remained elusive in 2025.
The return game didn’t offer much spark, the kicking game had its hiccups, and penalties continued to be a problem. In a league where field position and momentum can swing on a single special teams play, that’s not the kind of performance that gives you confidence heading into a new season.
While Gutekunst didn’t go into specifics, he made it clear that every part of the team-including special teams-is under evaluation.
“We’re going to look at everything,” he said. “We’ve got to get better in every phase.”
Zach Tom Reflects on Season-Ending Injury
Offensive lineman Zach Tom also met with reporters and opened up about the injury that sidelined him late in the season and into the playoffs. Tom, who had been a steady presence on the line, admitted it was tough watching from the sidelines during the most important stretch of the year.
“I felt like I could’ve helped,” he said. “But the staff made the call, and I had to trust them.”
Tom didn’t specify the injury, but emphasized that he expects to be fully healthy for offseason work. That’s a big deal for a Packers offensive line that saw its share of shuffling throughout the year.
Coaching Staff Movement on the Horizon?
There’s also movement happening on the offensive side of the coaching staff. Reports indicate that the Packers are looking to bring in Penn State’s recently hired wide receivers coach to fill the same role in Green Bay. That would suggest a change is coming at the position, though the team hasn’t made anything official yet.
Gutekunst, as expected, didn’t tip his hand.
“We’re still finalizing some things on the staff,” he said.
This kind of turnover isn’t unusual, especially after a season that ended in disappointment. The Packers made the playoffs but fell short of expectations, and now the front office appears ready to retool and recalibrate.
Gutekunst: “We’re Not Lowering Expectations”
Despite the uncertainty, Gutekunst made one thing clear-expectations remain sky-high in Green Bay.
“We’re not lowering the bar,” he said. “We’re here to compete for championships.”
That mindset is consistent with how the Packers have approached the last few seasons. Even with a younger roster and a quarterback still gaining experience, the message from the top is that this team should be in the hunt every year.
That said, Gutekunst acknowledged that the team didn’t meet its own standards this past season. He pointed to inconsistencies in all three phases and stressed the need for internal development and smart roster decisions moving forward.
“We’ve got to take a hard look at everything,” he said. “We’re not where we want to be.”
What’s Next?
The Packers are entering an important stretch of the offseason. Coaching roles need to be finalized, player evaluations are ongoing, and free agency looms. The future of Rich Bisaccia and his special teams unit is just one of many storylines to watch.
For a franchise that prides itself on stability and tradition, this offseason already feels a bit different. But as Gutekunst emphasized, the goal hasn’t changed: build a team that can contend in January-and win in February.