Report: Packers hire Ben Sirmans to coach RBs
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy wasted no time filling the primary vacancies on his staff.
McCarthy hired Ben Sirmans to be the Packers new running backs coach, according to Fox Sports. Sirmans held the same job with the St. Louis Rams for the past four seasons. He will replace Sam Gash, who was not retained.
The Packers hired Brian Angelichio to replace Jerry Fontenot as their tight ends coach, Fox Sports reported last week.
Report: Packers hire Angelichio as TE coach
Sirmans will have a big job ahead of him. His top priority will be getting tailback Eddie Lacy back on track. Lacy struggled with weight and curfew issues in 2015, leading to a dismal seasons. After starting his career with consecutive 1,100-yard seasons, Lacy had just 758 yards in 2015.
Sirmans oversaw the rookie development of Todd Gurley last season. After finishing outside the league’s top 15 in rushing during Sirmans’ first three seasons, the Rams drafted Gurley 10th overall last year. Their rushing offense soared to seventh in the league with 122.3 yards per game. Gurley finished third in the NFL with 1,106 yards despite missing three games.
In both hires, McCarthy is turning to someone with limited NFL experience. Both Sirmans and Angelichio first joined NFL staffs in 2012. Angelichio coached tight ends under the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-13) and Cleveland Browns (2014-15, while Sirmans spent all four seasons with the Rams.
rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood