The Houston Chronicle reports that the Packers have interviewed Houston Texans assistant special teams coach Wes Welker for an undisclosed position. Reasonable speculation points to it being the Special Teams Coordinator position but that is unofficial. He also interviewed with the 49ers.
Welker’s job with the Texans is his first in coaching. He also had a respectable career as a wide receiver with Texas Tech and various NFL teams including the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. His punt return game was strong and he brings that expertise to the coaching position – the Houston Texans ranked 8th in Rick Gosselin’s 2018 Special Teams Rankings. This was a noticeable improvement from their 2017 ranking of 26th. Welker was also a five-time Pro Bowl selection during his career.
After an unsuccessful rebuild attempt in 2015, the Packers are once again looking to use the off season as an opportunity to retool and restaff their struggling special teams. Ron Zook was shown the door as new head coach Matt LaFleur looks to move in a different direction. Hopefully it is a direction that involves less penalties and more consistency.