The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line got a serious boost in training camp from long-time coach Harry Hiestand, though exactly what he was doing and if he’s still doing it is kinda murky right now. This dude spent camp with the team, seemingly in a consultant role, dropping knowledge on those linemen when they need it most.
An Old School Guru Steps In
Hiestand is legit a coaching legend, man. We’re talking decades in the game, success at eight different college programs and two stints with the Chicago Bears, from 2005-2009 under Lovie Smith and again from 2018-2019 under Matt Nagy. His resume is stacked, full of connections and proof he knows how to get an offensive line right. The biggest clue to why he was even in Green Bay? His time at Notre Dame overlapped with Matt LaFleur’s one-year run there. Classic football, right? It’s all about who you know, and clearly, LaFleur knows Hiestand. So yeah, not a complete shocker that Hiestand showed up.
More Than Just a Consultant?
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein, Hiestand’s “consultant” title might not even cover the half of it. The guy was out there on the field, coaching, taking over duties usually handled by guys like Butkus, Gordon, or a quality control coach. Think about that: instead of just one offensive line coach, the Packers had *three* line coaches, plus an offensive coordinator who used to be a line coach, all in the linemen’s ears! That’s a whole lot of voices, but when you’ve got questions on the offensive line, more insight from a decorated vet like Hiestand probably isn’t a bad thing. His name isn’t on the official Packers’ website, and his exact role this season is a mystery, with Silverstein reporting he might still be offering insight.
Whatever Hiestand’s exact title, or if he’s still providing pointers, you know the Packers are hoping it pays off, especially with some early season questions surrounding that O-line. They need that unit clicking if they want to make any noise this year. Meanwhile, back here in the Emerald City, our Seahawks are already grinding, having just notched a hard-fought 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots! The season is just getting started, and every snap matters for our boys in blue and green.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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