Packers hire Cam Achord as special teams coordinator
Achord spent the last two years with the Giants as the team’s assistant special teams coach
By PackerAaron
Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers have their guy.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers are hiring Cam Achord, who spent the last two years with the Giants as the team’s assistant special teams coach, as their next special teams coordinator, stepping in after Rich Bisaccia’s February 17th resignation. Green Bay cast a wide net. Per Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber, the Packers lined up seven candidates. One (Matthew Smiley) bolted for the college ranks before the Pack could even get him in the building. Four advanced to in-person interviews. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the Packers brought in one candidate per day from Tuesday through Friday — and Achord had the final word. Last in the building, first in the job. Other candidates included Kyle Wilber (Saints), Colt Anderson (49ers), Tom McMahon, Sam Sewell (Cardinals) and Devin Fitzsimmons (Seahawks). But when the dust settled, it was Achord getting the nod.
Before New York, Achord spent six years coaching special teams for the New England Patriots, first as assistant special teams coach from 2018-19 and then as the special teams coordinator from 2020-23.
Now the real question: can he stabilize a unit that’s been anything but stable? From protection breakdowns to return-game roulette, special teams have swung games in Green Bay — often in the wrong direction.
New voice. New approach. Same expectation: fix it.
Good luck.
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Comments (39)
GreenandBold
February 27, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Welcome to Green Bay Mr. Achord . Good Luck in turning special teams into something special .
Ferrari-Driver
February 27, 2026 at 04:02 pm
In years past when we hired a special teams coordinator it was high expectations followed by grave disappointment. My expectations level has been beaten down over the years and if this new guys gets us to the middle of the special teams rating, I will be happy. Of course my wife tells me I'm old and easy to please.
dblbogey
February 27, 2026 at 04:42 pm
Perhaps they'll do something crazy and get a punt returner.
SicSemperTyrannis
February 27, 2026 at 09:04 pm
Can you imagine #25 doing what he was hired to do and being a returner and a slot corner?!? Crazy idea, I know
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 12:45 pm
....makes it sound like he forced the Packers to make him an average perimeter CB.
Since'75
March 02, 2026 at 03:52 pm
"Can you imagine #25 doing what he was hired to do...."
But he told coach he didn't want to return anymore.
At least we now know.....who's in charge in Green Bay
Since'75
February 27, 2026 at 07:22 pm
At some point in time, with 4 special teams coordinators since 2019...wouldn't it be fair to question, whether the problem is the coordinator?
I mean.....either the problem is at the top of the food chain, or the Packers just have had incredibly bad luck in hiring a ST Co.
Either way you choose to look at it.....It not good.
It doesn't seem to me, that it's just bad luck.
To me, it seems it's become a pattern.
*********
Pardon me if i don't drink kool aid and 'rah rah rah' all over the new guy.
One thing i've learned as a Packer fan during the last 15 years is ...show me, don't tell me.
Packers0808
February 27, 2026 at 07:48 pm
Don't judge until the team performs. Best way at this point to go with it.
Packers0808
February 28, 2026 at 08:05 am
So we have 3 people who don't want to give anyone a chance. Ok lets not have ST and just give the points and then take ball possession, that works right?
Since'75
March 02, 2026 at 03:44 pm
I didn't see where anyone said they weren't giving him a chance.
But, go ahead....you make up fiction as you see fit.
It's your world, paint the sky any color you'd like.
Packers0808
March 02, 2026 at 05:43 pm
Holy crap you are the one who said it here! Risible.
Since'75
March 03, 2026 at 04:46 pm
No, you're wrong, once again.
Show me where i said, i'm not giving him a chance.
I wrote about recent history with our ST's Co.
Pointing out that it's a pattern.
Meaning....it might not be all the fault of the Coordinators.
THINK!!
Seriously dude, don't speak for me, and don't 'interpret' what you think i meant, as IF i said it.
Do better Gomer.
Packers0808
March 04, 2026 at 08:15 am
The "Rah Rah" thing obviously shows that the way written by you!
Since'75
March 04, 2026 at 03:57 pm
Whatever you say spark, it's your world.
Packers0808
March 04, 2026 at 05:54 pm
No it is what you said, ash not me!
Since'75
March 05, 2026 at 05:16 am
Ok little man, have it your way.
Now go pick up your leggos
Packers0808
March 05, 2026 at 07:36 am
Why little boy you know you stepped on them and got hurt in your little feelings by proven wrong?
SicSemperTyrannis
February 27, 2026 at 09:10 pm
The Missouri Packers?
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 08:24 am
...playing the Gary Bears?
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 08:29 am
"show me, don't tell me."
Geddy Lee says there's a Rush reference hiding in here, but I'm not coming up with it. Ope! Guess I did, eh?
Since'75
February 28, 2026 at 09:07 am
Not sure about the Rush reference.
But i am sure that i was a Rush fan back when i was gifted a stereo and my first rock album (2112) for my 8th grade graduation.
Thanks Mom.
*Confirmation Gifts
My bad, got confused...that was awhile ago 😲🤷♂️
crayzpackfan
February 28, 2026 at 10:44 am
The late Neil Peart was usually the driving force behind Rush's concepts and lyrics. Show Me, Don't Tell Me, does seem Rush like for sure. A fair callout.
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 12:42 pm
"Show me, Don't tell me" is part of the chorus from "Show, Don't Tell" off Presto. Not one of their classic or better known albums, but one that's grown on me with time.
Since'75
February 28, 2026 at 06:25 pm
All The Worlds a Stage my Packer friends.
My dead nuts loyalty lasted to Hemispheres...right before they felt the need to get more mainstream radio time.
All is good though..followed them through the radio hit years, the personal family crisis of
Neil Peart, his motorcycle journeys to deal with it. (RIP)
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 08:35 pm
Cheers!
splitpea1
February 27, 2026 at 08:01 pm
From what I read, he had a great first season with the Patriots but it went all downhill from there. The Packers special teams woes over the years have obviously had more to do with than whoever the coordinator has been, whether it's been a lack of acumen or emphasis in the draft or just not enough time devoted to getting the right players in there and the details worked out--I don't know. So I really have no expectations with unit, but just hoping for a miracle at some point both from the GM and the coaching staff.
Guam
February 28, 2026 at 07:29 am
I believe Achord has two major challenges: (1) fix McManus or find a better kicker and (2) find a kick off and punt returner. The coverage teams were adequate last year and assuming personnel changes don't undo those teams Achord should have a decent starting point for punt and kickoff coverage units. McManus wasn't the worst kicker in the league last year but he wasn't very consistent and he needs to improve. Will he/can he at age 35 (turns 35 in July)? I don't know. It wouldn't hurt Gute to look for some serious camp competition for McManus.
Kickoff and punt returner may be the biggest Packer need on special teams. Inability to generate much return yardage on kicks and punts was a weakness for the Packers last year. I don't see that player as currently on the team, so Gute needs to go to work there as well.
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 09:14 am
I really don't know where to put my finger on where to start on STs, but you can have very good returners that can't go anywhere because either 1) they aren't blocked up well or 2) opposing teams don't give them a chance through good situational kicking.
Bisaccia's KO return units ranked pretty well (with Nixon) until the change in KO rules...then, pffft. IMO the new KO rules make returns more about blocking than creative returners (who, I think, flourished more under the old rules). I've always felt that creative punt returners can be neutralized by good situational kicking (using the sideline, increasing hang time, using the red zone effectively) and that it should be more about making sure you put guys back there who can secure the ball first.
Guam
February 28, 2026 at 06:46 pm
Good judgement is a big part of being a returner and the Packer returners were remiss under Bisaccia last year. Too many fielded kicks and punts that should have been either let go or fair caught.
coolhand
February 28, 2026 at 02:29 pm
I thought it was interesting that our best kick off return was by Jacobs in the playoff game against the Bears.
Why Gute would not find a return man is confusing since it is a big part of the game.
HarryHodag
March 01, 2026 at 09:58 am
The player has to be able to do more than just return kicks. If there was no salary cap having a one-trick pony is then affordable.
crayzpackfan
February 28, 2026 at 07:42 am
Maybe he'll have a guy returning punts who hasn't been a mainstay in concussion protocol? Or, here's a novel idea, maybe we have one guy all year returning punts and kicks?
MitchAnthony
February 28, 2026 at 08:04 am
I believe Achord has one primary challenge. Green Bay just doesn't take Special Teams all that seriously.
Out of all the facets of ST play the Packers two biggest concerns are simply kicking and punting. Returns, coverages, and elimination of dumbass penalties are distantly behind in regards to ST. Rostering any ST aces rarely happens in Green Bay because the Packers have to red shirt developmental projects when it comes to the 53.
That being said I wish the best to Cam Achord and hope I get proven wrong.
Matt
February 28, 2026 at 02:18 pm
I am not sure that punting is more of a concern than returning. I think that was one of not many facets that we performed well lately.
HarryHodag
March 01, 2026 at 09:55 am
I guess 70 yard punts aren't enough for some. Whelan is an elite punter.
coolhand
February 28, 2026 at 02:31 pm
And one thing I never understood was why the Packers never had Whelan try a coffin corner punt. With his leg he should be able to nail some out of bounds deep.
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 03:43 pm
They kicked to Duvernay twice in the fourth quarter of the playoff game against the Bears, and they gave up long returns that became points each time.
dobber
February 28, 2026 at 08:47 am
Achord is an experienced guy. I don't think he's entering this job with his eyes closed--so he's probably seeing the warts and opportunities pretty clearly. Anyone who can elevate Packers STs to respectability or better has done yeoman's work.
BuckyBadger
March 02, 2026 at 07:31 am
Here is the new guy that fans will kicking soon. Won't be long until the wolves howl for his head.