Only about 10% of an iceberg is visible above the water

Wes Hodkiewicz

Shanna from Corunna, IN

Good morning, II! I'm sure Inbox lit up with the resignation of Rich Bisaccia. My question to you is, what are the players' thoughts? I'm sure they're accustomed to coaches coming and going, but it didn't seem like players were calling for him to leave like fans have been.

They weren't. Nobody here was.Keisean Nixonsaid everything that needed to be said when he posted a single heartbroken emoji on X Wednesday night.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Only about 10% of an iceberg is visible above the water. I consider myself an avid Packers fan, but the corollary applies to my knowledge of players, coaches and playcalling. While I have opinions in each of these realms, I recognize that I'm not in team meetings or film sessions or at practice. Honestly, I'm not disappointed by the resignation of Rich Bisaccia, but it was apparent the organization thought highly of him. Can you bridge the gap between fan and organizational perspective?

Of course. I get talking about culture and connection is boring to some fans. Just win the game and let me drink my beer, right? If things go awry, sack the lot of them and start over. But the iceberg analogy is a practical one. Because there's so much more that goes into building a winning organization than what you see on Sundays. Scouts scout, coaches coach and players play. As much as fans want point fingers at individuals, praise and blame are not singular. They're plural. While we're often criticized for being too close to the source material, I believe fans also can be too far detached at times. The frustrations are understandable. I've heard them all season. But when you ask why the Packers stood by Bisaccia, we gave you the reasons. For those who wanted a new directionwell, that starts now.

Tim from Elmhurst, IL

Just when you thought all the coaching changes were behind usI have to admit I am a little torn on this one. Rich Bisaccia has a stellar reputation, and players appear to love him. However, the special teams definitely cost the team a couple of Ws this year. With most of the coaching changes already completed, does it make it harder to replace a coach this late in the cycle?

It's suboptimal but also only Feb. 19. It's not like we're a week away from training camp. We still have two months until players report for the start of the offseason program. In the meantime, Matt LaFleur must move swiftly to find the right man for the job. There was plenty of work to do on special teams even if Bisaccia returned. That dial turns up another notch with a new coordinator and a new scheme.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. In NFL-speak, it was clear and obvious that Bisaccia's resignation came while Spoff was enjoying some PTO. Still, the timing was curious, especially since there were no indications he was interviewing with other teams. Do you think it was actually a retirement or does Rich intend to coach somewhere else in 2026? Thanks.

Perhaps neither? The wording of the press release didn't indicate retirement was imminent like when Tom Clements' departure was announced last year. But ultimately that's a question for Bisaccia, who turns 66 in June.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Well, I didn't see that coming. Now that ML needs to hire a new ST coordinator, who should we keep an eye on? Are there rising young stars out there hanging on the specials teams tree? Do those even exist? Seems like most ST coordinators in the league come in the form of grizzled old vets.

I just assumed all the special teams experts in my mentions would have a rolodex ready for me. We'll see what develops. But when it comes to hiring the next coordinator, I do think it's a different landscape now. When I talk about Bisaccia overseeing the overhaul here on special teams, I'm referring to the changes in personnel over the past four years. When Bisaccia arrived, he had Mason Crosby and not much else. There were no established veterans such asZayne Anderson,Bo MeltonandIsaiah McDuffieto build coverage units around. The Packers have pieces in place now. They still need a few more, but the foundation is there for the next coordinator to succeed.

Craig from Appleton, WI

When looking to fill a coordinator position will MLF stick to his own rolodex or might he lean on someone like Jonathan Gannon who has contacts in the league, as well? Does anyone still actually use a rolodex?

Plausible. LaFleur and Bisaccia never worked together before 2022, but Bisaccia had connections with the Packers' coaching staff, including then-defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

Anthony from Green Bay, WI

Bisaccia was awesome. My parents and I were out to eat, and I pointed him out to my dad. As Bisaccia walked by us on his way out my dad said, "We're glad to have you, Coach." We expected a nod or wave, instead he stopped and shook my dad's hand. He asked him his name and had some friendly banter. I would love him as a coach.

And the Packers very much did.

Kyle from St. Charles, MO

Is there a limit on the best spot a compensatory pick can be set? I'm also assuming compensatory picks are one for one. Wes said teams are limited to four CPs, so multiple players lost to free agency can't have their value combined to determine a CP, right? Is there any sort of list differentiating regular picks from compensatory picks? Do the Packers have any notable CPs that turned into quality contributors?

Four is the max. Yes, the compensatory process is one-for-one, player-for-player. What's gained, what's lost not cumulative. Josh Sitton, Marco Rivera, Mike Daniels, Scott Wells, Tyrone Williams and Matt Hasselbeck were all compensatory selections.

Hank from Centennial, CO

I'm rooting for the Packers to build more resiliency. I think the team took a step back last year on that score. Maybe it's all luck as to who gets hurt and when. But when coaches get too enamored of pet projects, like rejiggering an offensive line, they may be more easily caught out. One year the Broncos under Mike Shanahan had secretly trained tight end Clarence Kay to act as a fullback, and then the offense fell into disarray when Kay got hurt on one of the first snaps of the season.

I see where you're coming from, but a lot of reshuffling was due to injury. IfElgton JenkinsandZach Tomstay healthy, the waters would have been much calmer in the trenches. At the same time, surviving an NFL season requires adaptation. The Packers just didn't quite hit the target.

James from Appleton, WI

If the Packers re-signSean Rhyan, it will be because they see him as the long-term starting center. Maybe they're a little lucky in getting a deal made before training camp, because an offseason of work could polish Rhyan into a very good center indeed

It ties back to what I wrote yesterday about Rhyan giving the NFL something to contemplate. We talked for years about the progress Rhyan was making as a center and that work was put to the test this season. As far as Rhyan's future in Green Bay, we first gotta see what happens with Jenkins.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Good morning, Wes! If the Seahawks are the best team in the NFL, do they have the best roster top to bottom, or the best overall roster, or the best playmakers at crucial spots, orHow do you assess an NFL roster? Are the best teams populated by the right handful of difference-makers (laMicah Parsons) and then solid depth? Where would you rank the Packers' roster now? We will have to see how different the roster is today compared to the initial 53.

I think the Packers have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, beginning at the premier positions. Where Seattle separated itself from the pack in 2025 is it added a franchise quarterback to a talent-rich roster and arguably the best defensive mind in the game right now in Mike Macdonald. Sam Darnold put the Seahawks over the top. The question now is if he can keep them there.

Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua

Similar to Skokie Sam's draft-and-develop question, how do you explain the Eric Stokes blunder? A first-round draft pick who was consistently improving at a position of need, and they let him walk on a one-year, $4 million deal. And to add insult to injury we replace him by signing an oft-injured nickel, a position we were deep at, to a long-term deal at three times the cost. Stokes goes on to become one of the best CBs in the league, whileNate Hobbscouldn't even carve out a starting role on a CB-needy team.

I like Stokes the football player and the human. But I think it's a stretch to say he's become one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He was healthy and reliable last year for Vegas, but it's been four seasons since Stokes caught his only NFL interception. The Packers were in a no-win situation with Stokes. They could have re-signed him. It wasn't a hefty price tag, but Green Bay already played that "prove-it" game once with Kevin King. Stokes missed 22 regular-season games over four years with the Packers. I think a fresh start was needed for both sides. Knee injuries derailed Hobbs' debut season in Green Bay. WithJavon Bullardentrenched in the slot, the Packers must access whether Hobbs is the best option across from Keisean Nixon outside.

Jay from Arbor Vitae, WI

Why should anyone feel bad about drafting, developing a player, and then ultimately losing them in free agency? That's not unique to the Packers, that's the NFL or any business. Every team tries to get the most of its players or employees. We all hope that everyone gets better at their jobs and contributes the utmost possible on game day. But when they cost more than they are worth to the company or team, they must be replaced with someone who fits the budget. The beauty of the NFL is the budget.

I agree. This is the position teams want to be in, making difficult choices with good players. External free agency is tool but also a high-stakes game; a perilous pendulum that swings both ways.

Tallon from Castle Rock, CO

The hype aroundEdgerrin Coopergoing into last year had people thinking he was going to be a Pro Bowler. I thought he took a slight step back or at least didn't take that next step forward last year. I still think his potential is sky high, but what do you think the problem was?

I thought Cooper was exceptional, but Jeff Hafley had him playing more like a straight-up linebacker in 2025 than his rookie season. That probably had something to do with Micah Parsons, but I personally hoped to see Cooper utilized more in the rush plan. We'll see what Year 3 holds. The guy absolutely has Pro Bowl potential, though.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Wes, living in Northern Minnesota my whole life curling has been a big thing. Every little town had their own four-sheet curling club. Eventually several merged and built a beautiful eight-sheet venue in Eveleth right next to the U.S.A. Hockey Hall of Fame. If you are ever in the area, check it out. There have been many very successful curlers that have walked through those doors.

I'll be sure to stop next time I'm headed that way.

Tom from Cambridge, MA

I'm sure I'm showing my age here, but if someone would reboot ABC's "Wide World of Sports," then curling would be televised at least monthly throughout the winter. Seems like no one wants to take a chance anymore. The "Big Four" plus golf and tennis are seen as a sure thing so they get all the airtime. I still think there a place for the "weird" sports like curling, skiing, lumberjack games and that thing where skaters jump over numbered barrels. Guess I'm the only one.

I was a bit too young for "Wide World of Sports" but was a big fan of "Cheap Seats." Obviously, the Sklar Brothers' humor drove the show, but it was fun revisiting the wide array of programming ESPN used to put on its airwaves.

Arlan from Cedar Rapids, IA

Wes, since we're in the time of year and I have no meaningful Football question, how about this: UFC 326, Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira? Also, could Dakota Ditcheva dominate in the UFC as she does in the PFL?

You have no idea how long I've been waiting for someone to ask me a Dakota Ditcheva question. I'm convinced she could compete in the UFC flyweight division. I'm picking Holloway in the BMF title fight. I love do Bronxs but feel like Max has his number.

Ken from Boynton Beach, FL

Hi Wes, in reference to the Super Bowl being played overseas you said "It'll happen. Not soon, but probably in my natural lifetime." Is there an unnatural lifetime?

Just accounting for the "hit by bus" variable.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Oh Wes. Wes, Wes, Wes, Wes, WesNo beer and cheese, I can handle. I can't handle this. I suggest you watch "Tommy Boy" tonight and work at least one quote into every answer of Friday's column as your penance. I mean, seriously.

I know, I knowI promise to check it out during my PTO next month and provide Inbox with a full report.

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