The Green Bay Packers are facing a significant transition following the departure of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who accepted a head coaching position with the Miami Dolphins on March 11, 2024. Hafley, who had been with the Packers for the past two seasons, will reunite with former Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, now the Dolphins’ general manager. This move marks a pivotal moment for both the team and its coaching staff.
Coach Matt LaFleur had anticipated Hafley’s departure, having noted his growing candidacy for various NFL head coaching roles. “I fully anticipate him getting one of these,” LaFleur remarked last week, indicating that preparations for Hafley’s exit were already underway. As the team grapples with this shift, star edge rusher Micah Parsons expressed his disbelief at Hafley’s exit, saying, “Nah, Haf ain’t going nowhere.” Following the announcement, Parsons took to social media to congratulate Hafley, stating, “Genuinely happy for haf! Great guy great person! Gonna miss his energy!”
Hafley’s impact on the Packers’ defense was notable. After joining the team from Boston College, he significantly improved their defensive rankings, elevating the unit from 17th to 5th overall in his first season. Under his leadership, the Packers also ranked in the top ten for both run defense and takeaways. Before a season-ending injury to Parsons, the team was sixth in total yards allowed. The season concluded with a disappointing wild-card playoff loss to the Chicago Bears, where the defense allowed 25 points in a critical fourth quarter.
Safety Javon Bullard echoed the sentiment of loss, saying it would “suck” to lose Hafley. He expressed pride in Hafley’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of supporting his career progression. “You want him to succeed… but we hope he comes back,” Bullard stated.
### LaFleur’s Search for a New Defensive Coordinator
With Hafley’s departure, LaFleur is now tasked with identifying a suitable replacement. Reports indicate that former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is a top candidate. LaFleur and Morris have a history of collaboration, having worked together with the Washington Commanders and the Falcons. LaFleur previously described Morris as “my guy,” underscoring their close professional relationship.
Additionally, LaFleur may consider candidates he previously interviewed, including current NFL defensive coordinators Bobby Babich of the Buffalo Bills, Zach Orr of the Baltimore Ravens, and Dannard Wilson of the Tennessee Titans. Each of these professionals could be available depending on the future decisions of their respective coaching staffs. There’s also the possibility of attracting Brian Flores, the current defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, who has expressed interest in future head coaching roles.
If LaFleur opts for an internal promotion, potential candidates include defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington, defensive pass game coordinator Derrick Ansley, and defensive backs coach Ryan Downard. Both Covington and Ansley have prior experience as defensive coordinators, making them strong contenders.
As the team prepares for the upcoming offseason, LaFleur is still evaluating his entire coaching staff following his recent contract extension. A source indicated that he is “working through” possible adjustments, which could involve broader changes at the coordinator level. The extension is expected to enhance LaFleur’s ability to attract quality candidates, providing a sense of stability amidst the shifts within the team.
Regardless of the outcome, Hafley’s move leaves the Packers on their fourth defensive coordinator since LaFleur’s tenure began. As the organization navigates this transition, the focus will remain on maintaining competitive performance while building a robust coaching staff for the future.
