Green Bay Packers Legend Defends Rich Bisaccia Amid Fan Outrage

Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia has found himself under fire from fans after another season of inconsistent performances from the unit. However, Packers legend John Kuhn has come to Bisaccia’s defense, offering a strong endorsement of the veteran coach and pointing out the deeper issues that have plagued Green Bay’s special teams for years.

Green Bay Packers: Kuhn’s Defense of Bisaccia

Speaking on the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, Kuhn praised Bisaccia’s coaching style and leadership, describing him as a gritty, no-nonsense coach who holds players accountable. “I like Rich Bisaccia,” Kuhn said. “I like what he does as a special teams coordinator. I like how he coaches. I like his mindset. I like his demeanor. I like his attitude. You want a guy with grit? He’s got grit. He’ll get after a guy. He’ll chew their [expletive] out.”

Kuhn argued that Bisaccia’s struggles are not entirely his fault, pointing to a lack of organizational commitment to special teams. He emphasized the need for the Packers to provide Bisaccia with better tools, including a dedicated return specialist and a reliable kicker. “Give him all the bullets for his gun,” Kuhn said. “Until you allow him to play some starters or even some major backups, this is what you’re going to get.”

The Packers’ Special Teams Woes

Special teams have long been a sore spot for the Packers, and Bisaccia’s tenure has been no exception. While the unit has shown improvement in some areas, such as kick and punt coverage, other issues persist. The Packers ranked 21st in special teams DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) in 2025, and high-profile mistakes, including missed field goals and botched returns, have continued to haunt the team.

One of the most glaring issues has been the lack of a consistent return game. The Packers have cycled through nine different returners this season, a reflection of their reluctance to invest in a dedicated return specialist. This approach has limited the unit’s effectiveness and placed additional pressure on Bisaccia.

A Broader Organizational Issue

Kuhn’s comments highlight a broader issue within the Packers organization: a lack of investment in special teams. The team’s draft-and-develop philosophy prioritizes long-term player development over immediate special teams contributions, often leaving the unit under-resourced. For example, the Packers have been reluctant to allocate roster spots to players who specialize in returns or coverage, instead favoring players with potential to contribute on offense or defense.

This philosophy has also impacted the kicking game. Brandon McManus, the team’s veteran kicker, struggled with consistency this season, missing 20% of his field goal attempts. While some of these struggles can be attributed to a midseason injury, the lack of a reliable backup kicker further exacerbated the problem.

What’s Next for Bisaccia?

Despite the criticism, Bisaccia remains highly respected within the Packers organization and around the league. His ability to improve Green Bay’s coverage units and instill discipline in the special teams has earned him praise from players and coaches alike. However, his future with the team remains uncertain, as head coach Matt LaFleur faces pressure to make changes following another disappointing season.

If the Packers decide to move on from Bisaccia, they risk losing a coach with a proven track record of success. As Kuhn pointed out, the team’s special teams issues run deeper than coaching and will require a more comprehensive approach to address.

The Bottom Line

John Kuhn’s defense of Rich Bisaccia serves as a reminder that the Packers’ special teams struggles are not solely the result of coaching. Without a greater organizational commitment to improving the unit, the same issues are likely to persist, regardless of who is in charge. For now, the ball is in the Packers’ court to decide whether to stick with Bisaccia or start fresh with a new coordinator.