Packers Appoint Cam Achord to Lead Special Teams Unit

New coordinator Cam Achord helped the Packers to a 20-17 overtime win against the Jets, featuring a 63-yard punt return by Skyy Moore.

The Green Bay Packers hired 39-year-old Cam Achord as special teams coordinator in late February to replace Rich Bisaccia, who unexpectedly resigned. During a recent 20-17 overtime victory against the New York Jets, Achord’s unit produced a 63-yard punt return and a 43-yard kickoff return by Skyy Moore. These plays exceeded the team’s longest returns from the previous season, which were 20 and 36 yards, respectively. Rookie kicker Trey Smack also received a game ball after hitting the game-winning field goal to remain perfect on the season.

Achord, a former New England Patriots assistant and coordinator, utilizes an analytics-heavy approach. He reportedly charted 3,000 punts over two days to determine that NFL punts roll an average of 14 yards after hitting the ground. His studies also include a six-year analysis of former All-Pro Matthew Slater, finding that Slater defeated double-team blocks 80.2% of the time. While coaching the Patriots from 2020 to 2023, Achord’s units achieved ESPN FPI rankings of first and third before dropping to 26th and 31st.

Known for a physically intense coaching style, Achord began wearing cleats to practice after sustaining a broken nose during a 2019 drill with gunners Justin Bethel and Matthew Slater. He is the fourth coordinator to lead the unit during head coach Matt LaFleur’s eight-season tenure. The Packers are scheduled to make their home debut under Achord on Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons at 8:15 p.m. ET.