Dec 28, 2023; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles head coach Jeff Hafley lifts the champions trophy after defeating the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers have found their next defensive coordinator. One week since firing Joe Barry after three frustrating years that saw a defense with up to eight former first round picks underperform, Jeff Hafley, the now former head coach at Boston College, has been hired to lead the Packers’ defense.
Hafley’s name was one that was not known to Packers fans or media who cover the team up until it was announced that he was being hired. Instead, names of current NFL defensive coaches were leaked in regards to who had been interviewed by the team. These names include Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker, former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, and Baltimore Ravens coaches Dennard Wilson and Zach Orr.
Additionally, a late report after the announcement that Hafley is to be hired said that LaFleur also interviewed former New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
In total, it appears that LaFleur interviewed eight candidates this time around in his search for a defensive coordinator. When Barry was hired back in 2021, he interviewed nine. Something about Hafley must have stood out among his other interviewees, but what might that have been? Perhaps we will discover what it was as we break down five things Packers fans should know about their new defensive coordinator.
1. Contrary to Rumor, Jeff Hafley Did Not Have a Prior Relationship with Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur
