Packers Hire Wisconsin Native as New Linebackers Coach

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The Green Bay Packers have hired Sam Siefkes, a 34-year-old Wisconsin native, as their new linebackers coach. Siefkes previously worked with new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon for two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and has experience coaching at several Wisconsin college programs.

Why it matters

The Packers are undergoing changes on their defensive coaching staff this offseason, and Siefkes' hire fills a key position as the team transitions to Gannon's defensive scheme. Siefkes' familiarity with Gannon and his coaching experience in Wisconsin could help provide continuity and a smooth integration for the Packers' linebacker group.

The details

Siefkes is a native of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and has coached at several Wisconsin college programs, including UW-La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin, and UW-Platteville. He then spent the last few years coaching in the NFL, first with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and then with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 and 2024, where he worked under new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Siefkes then spent 2025 as the defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech before joining the Packers.

• Siefkes worked as the linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 and 2024.
• Siefkes spent the 2025 season as the defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.
• Siefkes is joining the Packers' coaching staff for the 2026 season.

What’s next

The Packers will need to determine if they plan to run a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme under Gannon, as that will impact whether they need to hire another position coach to handle the outside linebackers.