New Packers Linebackers Coach Sam Siefkes Has Deep Wisconsin Ties

The Wisconsin native and former Badgers graduate assistant brings extensive experience to Green Bay's defensive staff.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:30pm

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The Green Bay Packers have hired Sam Siefkes as their new linebackers coach, replacing Sean Duggan who left for the Miami Dolphins. Siefkes, a Wisconsin native, has extensive ties to the state and previously worked with new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. He spent last season as the defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech and has a successful track record as a college defensive coordinator, including two years at Wofford where his defenses ranked among the best in their conference.

Why it matters

Siefkes' hiring continues the Packers' trend of bringing in coaches with strong local connections, which can help build continuity and familiarity with the team and region. His prior experience working with Gannon and success as a college defensive coordinator also suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Packers' defensive staff as they look to improve on that side of the ball.

The details

Siefkes, who grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and played college football at Wisconsin-La Crosse, has an extensive coaching background in the state. After starting as a student assistant at La Crosse, he worked as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin in 2015 under defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, when the Badgers led the nation in scoring defense. Siefkes then had successful stints as a defensive coordinator at Wisconsin-Platteville and Wofford before breaking into the NFL as an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021-22.

  • Siefkes joined the Packers' coaching staff in March 2026.
  • He spent the 2025 season as the defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech.

The players

Sam Siefkes

The new linebackers coach for the Green Bay Packers, who has deep ties to the state of Wisconsin from his playing and coaching career.

Jonathan Gannon

The Packers' new defensive coordinator, who previously worked with Siefkes when he was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Sean Duggan

The former Packers linebackers coach who left to join the Miami Dolphins coaching staff.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who previously worked with Duggan when he was the defensive coordinator for the Packers.

Dave Aranda

The defensive coordinator at Wisconsin in 2015 when Siefkes was a graduate assistant there.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Siefkes' hiring brings a coach with deep Wisconsin roots and a successful track record as a college defensive coordinator to the Packers' staff, which could help bolster their defense as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026.