The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2026 season with a new wide receivers coach. Following Ryan Mahaffey’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers hired Noah Pauley, who was most recently on the Penn State coaching staff. Pauley brings extensive college experience and a strong reputation as a developer of young talent.

Who Is Noah Pauley? Introducing the Packers’ New Wide Receivers Coach
Foundation at Minnesota-Duluth

Pauley began his coaching career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, starting as a student assistant in 2011 before rising to the position of graduate assistant, and eventually becoming the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. His success there led to a move to North Dakota State in 2019, where he coached the Bison’s wide receivers for four seasons.

Top Talent at NDSU

At NDSU, Pauley played a key role in the development of Christian Watson, who later became a second-round pick by the Packers. Watson earned FCS All-American honors and was a three-time all-conference selection under Pauley, leading the team in receiving yards for three consecutive seasons.

Breakout Success at Iowa State

Pauley then joined Matt Campbell’s staff at Iowa State, coaching wide receivers from 2023 to 2025 and serving as pass game coordinator beginning in 2024. That season marked a major leap for the Cyclones’ passing offense. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel both surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, making Iowa State one of only two programs nationally with two receivers reaching that milestone. Both players were later selected in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.

A Short Stop at Penn State

Following the 2025 season, Pauley spent one year at Penn State. While the Nittany Lions’ receiver production was limited, his prior success remains the strongest indicator of his developmental ability.

What Pauley’s Arrival Means for Green Bay

The Packers are adding a coach focused on development and adaptable teaching methods. Pauley has a proven history of developing young receivers at multiple college programs. His approach fits Green Bay’s current wide receiver room perfectly. With a young group that includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and recent draft picks Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. With multiple players entering key stages of their contracts, wide receiver development will be critical in 2026.