Neither of those units met the Packers’ expectations in 2015 and, probably more importantly, there were better coaches available for the Packers to hire.
On the first point, you know about the struggles. Eddie Lacy never got it going and was disinterested and unmotivated most of the season, finishing with a career-low 717 yards. At tight end, the Packers didn’t exactly have a wealth of talent, but their top guy, Richard Rodgers, averaged a pathetic 8.8 yards per reception.
On the second point, the Packers went out and brought in guys who’ve seemingly worked miracles. New tight ends coach Brian Angelichio turned 30-year-old castoff Gary Barnidge into one of the best tight ends in the game in Cleveland.