Green Bay Packers Tap Boston College’s Jeff Hafley as New Defensive Coordinator

The Green Bay Packers’ decision to hire Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator comes as a surprise, especially considering that his name had not been previously linked to any NFL defensive coordinator openings this offseason. Hafley’s coaching background includes both collegiate and NFL experience, with notable stints at Boston College, Ohio State, and various NFL teams.

During his tenure at Boston College, Hafley’s Eagles achieved mixed results, posting a 22-26 record, with a 12-22 record in ACC play. The team’s defensive performance, as measured by ESPN’s SP+ metric, ranked 77th in the FBS for the 2023 season.

Before transitioning to the college ranks, Hafley spent six seasons as a full-time on-field assistant in the NFL, primarily focusing on coaching defensive backs. His NFL coaching experience includes stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.

Hafley’s connection with current NFL coaches and personnel adds depth to his coaching pedigree. Notably, his time with Kyle Shanahan in Cleveland and San Francisco, as well as his collaboration with coaches like Robert Saleh, DeMeco Ryans, and Bobby Slowik, highlights his familiarity with NFL coaching philosophies and systems.

The Packers’ decision to hire Hafley reflects their confidence in his ability to bring a fresh perspective to their defense and help elevate their performance on that side of the ball. With his diverse coaching background and connections within the NFL coaching community, Hafley brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role as the Packers’ defensive coordinator.