Former Packers Star Considered for Assistant Role Under Bisaccia to Boost Struggling Special Teams
Green Bay, WI – May 14, 2025
The Green Bay Packers’ special teams unit has long been a weak link, with critical mistakes in high-stakes moments costing the team dearly in playoff runs. Under the guidance of Rich Bisaccia, Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, the Packers have seen some improvement, but consistency remains elusive. Amid this backdrop, the idea of bringing back legendary kicker Mason Crosby as an assistant special teams coach is gaining traction. With 16 seasons of experience in Green Bay, deep ties to the franchise, and unparalleled expertise as a kicker, Crosby could be the key to supporting Bisaccia in turning around the “underperforming” special teams unit and elevating the Packers’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The State of the Packers’ Special Teams
The Packers’ special teams have been a source of frustration for years, marked by costly errors that have derailed postseason hopes. Notable examples include:
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2021 Season: Under then-coordinator Maurice Drayton, the special teams unit ranked dead last in the NFL per Rick Gosselin’s rankings. In the divisional playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers allowed a punt return touchdown and had only 10 players on the field for a crucial field goal attempt.
2022 Season: Bisaccia’s first year saw the unit improve to 22nd in the league, but issues like poor return decisions persisted.
2024 Season: The Packers showed progress in some areas, ranking 2nd in kickoff coverage and 19th in kickoff returns. However, critical errors persisted: Keisean Nixon fumbled a kickoff return in the opening play of the wild-card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and kicker Brandon McManus missed a 38-yard field goal in the same game. The unit plummeted to 32nd in Gosselin’s rankings, signaling a troubling regression.
Bisaccia, with 22 years of NFL special teams coaching experience, has brought some stability, notably with a blocked field goal against the Chicago Bears in 2024. Yet, he has openly acknowledged “failing” in key moments, particularly when kickers like Anders Carlson and McManus missed opportunities. Bisaccia’s contract extension through 2026 reflects confidence from head coach Matt LaFleur, but the pressure to elevate the special teams’ performance is immense as the Packers aim for a Super Bowl.
Why Mason Crosby is a Prime Candidate
Mason Crosby, who retired in March 2025 after 16 seasons with the Packers, emerges as an ideal candidate to bolster Bisaccia’s staff. Here’s why:
1. Stellar Experience and Track Record
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Illustrious Career: Crosby is the Packers’ all-time leading scorer with 1,918 points, including 395 successful field goals, 43 from 50+ yards, and 733 extra points. He scored 100+ points in 15 of his 16 seasons, trailing only Adam Vinatieri and Jason Elam in NFL history.
Clutch Performance: Crosby was instrumental in the Packers’ Super Bowl XLV victory in 2010, going 16/16 on extra points and 3/4 on field goals in the postseason. He’s renowned for game-winning kicks, such as a 51-yard field goal against the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
Kicker Expertise: Crosby’s deep understanding of the kicker’s role—technical, mental, and strategic—is invaluable. The Packers have struggled to replace him, with Anders Carlson (27/33 field goals in 2023), Brayden Narveson, and Greg Joseph failing to provide consistency before McManus (20/22 in 2024) was signed.
2. Deep Connection to the Packers and Fans
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Franchise Icon: Crosby played 258 regular-season games and 23 playoff games, the most in Packers history. Beloved by fans for his reliability and clutch moments, his return as a coach would galvanize the fanbase, much like Eric Wood’s homecoming with the Buffalo Bills.
Recent Involvement: Since retiring, Crosby has remained engaged with the organization, appearing at events like the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, where he spoke passionately about his love for the team and community. This signals his readiness to contribute further.
3. Coaching Potential and Leadership
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Football IQ: As a kicker, Crosby worked closely with long snappers, holders, and special teams units, giving him a comprehensive understanding of special teams dynamics. His ability to analyze situations and adapt was evident in his career longevity.
Leadership Skills: As a veteran leader, Crosby mentored younger players during his tenure. This experience equips him to guide special teamers, particularly kickers and punters, in refining their skills and mental toughness.
Coaching Transition: While Crosby lacks formal coaching experience, he could start as an assistant, focusing on kicker/punter development and tactical analysis, similar to how other former players like Wood transitioned into coaching.
How Crosby Can Transform the Special Teams
The Packers’ special teams struggle in three key areas: kicking, returns, and coverage. Crosby’s involvement could address these as follows:
1. Stabilizing the Kicking Game
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Current Issue: Since Crosby’s departure after 2022, the Packers have cycled through Carlson, Narveson, and Joseph, none of whom provided reliability. McManus has been a step forward but missed a critical kick against the Eagles.
Crosby’s Solutions:
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Technical Coaching: Crosby could work directly with McManus or future kickers, refining their mechanics and consistency. Having overcome early-career struggles (below 80% field goal accuracy in his first four seasons), he can guide young kickers through slumps.
Mental Preparation: Known for clutch kicks, Crosby can teach kickers to manage pressure in high-stakes playoff games, where the Packers have often faltered due to special teams errors.
2. Enhancing Returns and Coverage
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Current Issue: Keisean Nixon, an All-Pro punt returner in 2022, has been inconsistent, with costly mistakes like the fumble against the Eagles in 2024. The coverage unit, while strong in kickoffs (2nd in the NFL), allowed a trick-play punt return touchdown to the Bears in Week 18 of 2024.
Crosby’s Solutions:
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Tactical Analysis: Crosby could assist Bisaccia and assistant Byron Storer in video analysis, identifying opponents’ weaknesses and refining coverage schemes. His playing experience equips him to spot exploitable tendencies.
Return Coaching: Crosby could work with Nixon and other returners to improve decision-making (e.g., when to return vs. take a touchback), reducing errors like running from deep in the end zone.
3. Boosting Morale and Cohesion
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Current Issue: Bisaccia has expressed disappointment in failing to meet LaFleur’s expectations, which may affect the unit’s confidence. Recurring mistakes can erode morale.
Crosby’s Solutions:
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Inspiration: As a Packers legend, Crosby’s presence would motivate special teamers, especially young players like Isaiah Simmons, whom Bisaccia expects to make an impact.
Liaison Role: Crosby could bridge Bisaccia and the players, ensuring clear communication and execution of game plans.
Challenges and Feasibility
While Crosby is a compelling candidate, his appointment faces hurdles:
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Lack of Coaching Experience: Crosby has no formal coaching background, requiring a learning curve. The Packers could mitigate this by starting him in a low-level assistant role, such as special teams quality control coach, like Cory Harkey.
Bisaccia’s Influence: With a new contract through 2026 and a reputation as a top special teams coach, Bisaccia may resist adding a high-profile assistant like Crosby unless he sees a clear need.
Competition from Other Candidates: The Packers could consider assistants from teams with elite special teams, like Randy Brown (Baltimore Ravens), or internal options like Connor Lewis, who served as a special teams assistant in 2021.
However, Crosby’s appointment is feasible, especially given the Packers’ history of leveraging former players in coaching roles (e.g., Al Harris, recently hired as the Chicago Bears’ defensive backs coach). Adding Crosby as a third assistant, rather than replacing Storer or Harkey, would strengthen the staff without disrupting the current structure.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers’ special teams need a transformative boost to shed their reputation for costly errors and become a reliable asset in their Super Bowl pursuit. Mason Crosby, with his experience, franchise loyalty, and football acumen, is an ideal candidate to assist Rich Bisaccia in revitalizing this unit. As a special teams assistant, Crosby could stabilize the kicking game, enhance return and coverage strategies, and inspire the team with his legendary status. His return would not only address tactical needs but also ignite the passion of Packers fans, echoing the impact of Eric Wood’s homecoming with the Bills. If appointed, Crosby could be the spark that finally turns the Packers’ special teams into a strength.
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