Matt LaFleur Faces Another Challenge as Packers Lose Key Coaches Just Before Draft Combine

The Green Bay Packers are entering a pivotal time in the offseason with the Draft Combine just around the corner. However, things have taken a challenging turn for head coach Matt LaFleur as the team suffers a series of unexpected coaching changes that could impact the upcoming season.

First, the Packers saw a key departure on the defensive side of the ball with the loss of linebacker coach and run game coordinator Anthony Campanile. Campanile, who had been an integral part of the Packers’ defensive coaching staff, has been hired as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new defensive coordinator. To make matters more complicated, Campanile took along Green Bay’s defensive quality coach, Anthony Perkins, to join him in Jacksonville, leaving the Packers with two important vacancies on their defensive staff.

Now, another blow has come in the form of special teams. According to Nick Underhill of New Orleans.Football, special teams quality control coach Kyle Wilber is leaving Green Bay to join the New Orleans Saints as their new assistant special teams coordinator. Wilber, 35, spent just two seasons with the Packers, yet his impact on special teams was undeniable. Prior to his coaching career, Wilber was a key special teams player during his 10-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders. His experience as a linebacker and special teams contributor made him a natural fit for his coaching role in Green Bay.

During his tenure with the Packers, Wilber worked closely with veteran returner Keisean Nixon, who had a standout season in 2023, leading the league in return yards and kickoff return average. Nixon’s success on special teams was a testament to the effectiveness of Wilber’s coaching. Under his guidance, Green Bay’s special teams unit ranked 14th in yards per kick return and saw significant improvements from players like Nixon, kicker Anders Carlson, and punter Daniel Whelan.

With Wilber now headed to New Orleans, LaFleur faces the challenge of filling another crucial coaching position. While the Packers haven’t yet announced replacements for either the defensive or special teams roles, LaFleur may look to promote from within, potentially promoting someone to step into the special teams quality control position.

These changes come at a critical moment as the Packers head into the Draft Combine, where decisions made both on and off the field will shape the future of the team. LaFleur now finds himself needing to quickly fill these coaching vacancies while continuing to lead Green Bay’s preparations for the 2025 season. It’s clear that the Packers’ head coach has a tough task ahead, but with the right moves, Green Bay could still come out stronger despite the unexpected coaching losses.

The Saints hired Kyle Wilber as their assistant special teams coordinator, per source. Wilber comes over from the Packers.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) February 24, 2025