The Green Bay Packers wasted no time in finding a new defensive coordinator after parting ways with Joe Barry. The team considered several notable candidates, including Dennard Wilson from the Baltimore Ravens. However, on January 31, the Packers surprised everyone by announcing Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator. Hafley, a former head coach of the Boston College Eagles, brings over two decades of coaching experience to the team.
Hafley’s coaching career began in 2001 as the running backs coach for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He then moved on to the University of Albany, where he worked as a defensive assistant. Since then, Hafley has focused on coaching defense and has climbed the ranks in college football.
Although most of his coaching experience has been in college, Hafley has also coached in the NFL. He served as the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. After his time in the NFL, Hafley returned to the college level and became the head coach of Boston College in 2020.
During the 2023 NCAA season, Boston College’s defense struggled, allowing an average of 28.3 points per game and 383.9 yards per game. Their run defense was particularly weak, ranking 110th out of 134 FBS schools. However, their pass defense was much stronger, allowing just over 200 yards per game.
Despite his mixed results at Boston College, Hafley had a successful season as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State. The team led the nation in total defense, allowing only 259.7 yards per game. They also had the best pass defense in college football and allowed the fourth-fewest points per game.
The hiring of Hafley as the Packers’ defensive coordinator surprised many fans, especially with other high-profile NFL coaches available. Some fans expressed skepticism about his track record, while others welcomed his arrival. Only time will tell how Hafley will fare in his new role.
“Welcome Jeff!!! Look forward to you getting the most out of all the talent on this defense,” another user commented.
Initial reactions seemed to be that of surprise. However, as fans dug a little deeper into Hafley’s resume, the reaction seemed to be increasingly positive.
“Love press man. Got to be able to play press man. Have to be able to.” Jeff Hafley. Ok, I’m in.
“Finally have a DC that isn’t afraid to be aggressive,” another user wrote.
The decision to hire Hafley does come with risks. Hafley has not coached in the NFL since 2018, and this will be his first defensive coordinator position in professional football. This is a decision that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur will be judged on and a decision that Packers fans hope is the right call.
Beckett Callan is a Wisconsin-based journalist covering the NFL.
