Packers Add Two New Coaches to Staff, Re-Assign Others

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Packers special teams coach Ron Zook
The Packers will announce the hiring of Zook to coach special teams

The Green Bay Packers reportedly have added two new coaches to head coach Mike McCarthy’s staff.  As reported by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Ron Zook comes on as assistant special teams coach.  Zook replaces Chad Morton, who had been on McCarthy’s staff in that capacity since 2010.

Zook has been out of football for the past few years but most recently was head coach at the University of Illinois from 2005 – 2011.  Prior to that, Zook was head coach at the University of Florida.

Zook’s most recent NFL experience came as defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2000 – 2001, where McCarthy was the offensive coordinator.

When this news broke earlier today, it was speculated that Zook would be taking the outside linebackers coaching spot, replacing Kevin Greene.  Silverstein’s report confirmed, however, that Zook will coach under Shawn Slocum, current special teams coordinator.

The Packers will also add Sam Gash as running backs coach.  Gash replaces Alex Van Pelt, who was promoted to quarterbacks coach upon the departure of Ben McAdoo last month.  Gash was the Detroit Lions’ running backs coach from 2008-12.

Gash played 12 years in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.  He appeared in two Pro Bowls and was the first back selected to a Pro Bowl despite not having carried the ball that season.

UPDATE:  Here are all the coaching changes announced today: The Packers have named Winston Moss assistant head coach/linebackers, Alex Van Pelt quarterbacks coach, Scott McCurley assistant linebackers coach, Jason Simmons defensive/special teams assistant, John Rushing defensive quality control coach, Sam Gash running backs coach, Ron Zook assistant special teams coach, Luke Getsy offensive quality control coach and Chris Gizzi strength and conditioning assistant.

The Packers still have an apparent vacancy at the outside linebackers coaching spot.  The team may hire someone to fill Greene’s old position, promote from within or ask current inside linebackers and assistant head coach Winston Moss to absorb the role.

 

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Jason Perone is an independent sports blogger writing about the Packers on AllGreenBayPackers.com

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5 thoughts on “Packers Add Two New Coaches to Staff, Re-Assign Others

  1. I am hoping that Zook basically replaces Slocum. I think that our current ST coach is in over his head. Maybe it is the last chance way of saying things better improve because we just hired the next guy in line.

  2. Slocum should have been sent packing after the poor special teams play last year. I feel sorry for Zook having to work for a boss that has a poor track record.

    1. I agree. They need to make coaches accountable. If anyone in the organization had a set, they would have fired stroker Slocum.

  3. Agreed on firing S.Slocum. Zook seems like the heir apparent for next year.
    Thankfully the coaching staff musical chairs game FINALLY appears to be over. Note to Mike McCarthy, a former QB should be a QB coach, a former RB should be a RB coach, and so on down the line. Please don’t ever forget this!

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