Wisconsin native Sam Siefkes set to become Packers linebackers coach

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GREEN BAY – New Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is bringing his former linebackers coach with the Arizona Cardinals onto his staff, according to a published report.

CBSSports.com reported Wisconsin native Sam Siefkes, who spent the 2023 and ’24 seasons as Cardinals linebackers coach and spent ’25 as Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator, will replace departed linebackers coach Sean Duggan on Gannon’s staff.

Siefkes is the second coach Gannon has added since coach Matt LaFleur hired him as his defensive coordinator Jan. 25 and it’s likely more will be added soon. Buffalo defensive coordinator Bobby Babich agreed to become Gannon’s passing game coordinator Jan. 28, replacing Derrick Ansley, who was let go.

Former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who was named Miami Dolphins coach Jan. 19, has taken defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, defensive quality control coach Wendel Davis and Duggan with him. The Davis hire was reported by television station KPRC2 in Houston.

Siefkes, an Oconomowoc native, played football at UW-La Crosse and then coached at La Crosse (2012-13), Wisconsin (2015) and UW-Platteville (2016-17). His first job in the NFL was with the Minnesota Vikings as quality control assistant in 2021. He was the assistant linebackers coach in ’22 before joining Gannon in Arizona in ’23.

Virginia Tech’s defense ranked 71st in the nation last year and the team finished 3-9. Coach Brent Pry was fired after the season and replaced by James Franklin. The former Penn State coach did not retain Siefkes and hired Pry as his defensive coordinator.

The Packers’ other position coach, DeMarcus Covington, who oversees the defensive line and is run game coordinator, has been a candidate for several defensive coordinator positions but hasn’t landed any. There’s been no indication he won’t return if he doesn’t get a coordinator’s job.

Gannon may still hire a cornerbacks or safeties coach to replace Downard. Babich is expected to oversee the entire secondary.

This article originally appeared on Packers News: Wisconsin native Sam Siefkes set to become Packers linebackers coach

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