GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Packers finalized a major piece of their 2026 offensive puzzle on Thursday, hiring TC McCartney as an offensive assistant. McCartney, a veteran with over a decade of NFL experience, joins Matt LaFleur’s staff as the team ramps up preparations for the upcoming season. The move, first reported by league insider Jordan Schultz, injects a wealth of knowledge from the Shanahan coaching tree directly into the Packers’ meeting rooms.
The Shanahan Connection Returns to Lambeau
McCartney isn’t just another name on the masthead. He brings a specific pedigree that Matt LaFleur craves. Having spent three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers across two different stints, McCartney speaks the same offensive language as the Packers’ head coach. He understands the nuances of the wide-zone blocking scheme and the play-action mirrors that have defined Green Bay’s recent success. Most recently, McCartney served as the quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots in 2024, where he helped guide Drake Maye to a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie.
The hire signals a clear intent: Green Bay wants to maximize the efficiency of an offense that has already proven it can compete with the NFC’s elite. McCartney’s resume is a tour of the league’s most respected offensive rooms. He has coached quarterbacks in Denver, tight ends in Cleveland, and served in multiple quality control roles. This versatility allows him to bridge the gap between different position groups, ensuring the offensive vision remains cohesive as the 2026 draft approaches.
“TC is a football lifer. He’s seen this game from every angle—as a player at LSU and as a coach in some of the most rigorous systems in the league. His ability to simplify complex reads for young players is exactly what we need as we refine our approach for this season.”
— Source close to the Packers Coaching Staff
Staff Overhaul: The 2026 Vision
McCartney’s arrival is the latest move in what has been a busy offseason for the Packers’ front office. Green Bay has been forced to adapt following the departure of former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who left in late January to take the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. To fill that void, LaFleur made a splash by hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon to lead the defense.
The coaching staff now features a blend of high-level experience and specialized expertise. Along with McCartney, the Packers recently added Daniel Bullocks from the 49ers to coach the secondary and Cam Achord as the new special teams coordinator. These hires represent a calculated effort to surrounding quarterback Jordan Love with the best possible support system. While the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field remains quiet in March, the activity inside the facility suggests a team that believes its championship window is wide open.
