The Green Bay Packers are parting ways with special teams coordinator Maurice Drayton, cutting ties with him after they fielded the worst special teams in the NFL.
While in-season coaching changes are rare, many called for the Packers to part ways with Drayton in December. But head coach Matt LaFleur stuck with Drayton, opting to keep him for the remainder of the season and playoffs.
But the same special-team woes that hurt Green Bay in the regular season proved costly in the Divisional Round. A blocked field goal and blocked punt cost the Packers 10 points, deciding the game against the San Francisco 49ers.
- Green Bay Packers special teams stats: 32nd in Rick Gossellin’s rankings, 73.5% field goal rate (31st in NFL)
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers are now parting ways with Drayton as special teams coordinator and will not retain him in any role next season.
While the move comes more than a week after many expected it, the decision isn’t a surprise. Among the Packers’ special teams’ woes, their return specialists fumbled four punt returns and averaged just 8 yards per punt return this season.
Drayton’s departure may not be the only change for Green Bay’s special teams. Mason Crosby, their kicker since 2007, is a potential cap casualty this offseason with the Packers more than $40 million over the salary cap.