Cam Achord, boasting Super Bowl experience and a top-ranked unit under his belt, arrives to elevate the Green Bay Packers' struggling special teams.
You know we're in the peak of the NFL offseason when special teams news is huge news.
It's especailly huge news for the Green Bay Packers, though, because they've spent the past week or so looking for former special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia's replacement.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers did several interviews, but it's being reported that they've landed on "their guy".
That would be Cam Achord, the former special teams coordinator of the New England Patriots.
A week ago, we told you that Achord was the best of the potential hires.
That hasn't changed with the passing of seven days. In fact, now that we know he's the hire, there's reason to be very excited if you're a fan of the Packers.
For one, there's nowhere to go but up, right? Bisaccia's special teams cost the Packers several games last season, so getting a fresh pair of eyes is a big deal.
Achord's eyes just happen to have experience running an elite special teams, though. He also coached under arguably one of the best special teams-minded coaches of all-time in Bill Belichick.
As New England's special teams coordinator in the 2020 season, Achord led a unit that was ranked No. 1 in the NFL by Rick Gosselin. Two special teamers that season were Pro Bowlers for the Patriots in punter Jake Bailey and coverage-guy Matthew Slater. He also had a punt returner make it as a first-team All-Pro. That was Gunner Olszewski.
Achord's units didn't stay elite as the end of the Belichick era came to a screeching halt, but the fact that he has that experience in New England is priceless if you're the Packers.
Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick with special teams coordinator Cameron Achord against the Arizona Cardinals iat State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.Notably, he was with the Pats when they beat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
The Packers have a goal of making the Super Bowl in 2026. Technically, the goal is winning it, but they have to make it there first even to have a chance, right?
Having a guy on staff who has been there before and has actually hoisted the Lombardi Trophy can be a huge help. In fact, Achord is the only member of LaFleur's staff who can say that.
Again, that's a big deal. And it's another reason for hope for the Packers moving forward.
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