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The Green Bay Packers’ search for a new defensive coordinator lasted barely a week.
The Packers hired Jeff Hafley, former head coach of the Boston College Eagles, on January 31, ending speculation about who would take over the defense after Joe Barry was fired on January 24.
Sports Illustrated’s Packers Central called the hire a “curveball,” but ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote that Hafley and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur have been “longtime friends” but have never worked together.
Hafley, 44, has been a football coach for over two decades. His first coaching job was as the running backs coach for Division III Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2001. Hafley then moved to the University of Albany in 2002, this time working as a defensive assistant. Since 2002, Hafley has been a defensive coach, working his way up through the college ranks.
GettyJoe Barry was let go by the Packers on January 24
Jeff Hafley Has Seen Some Defensive Success
Although a collegiate coach for much of his career, Hafley has coached in the NFL. He was the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers. After seven years in in the NFL, Hafley returned to the college level, spending one year on the Ohio State staff before getting hired as Boston College’s head coach in 2020.
In the 2023 NCAA season, Boston College allowed an average of 28.3 points per game, ranking them 74th in the nation for Division I FBS schools. They also allowed an average of 383.9 yards per game, placing them 64th. Boston College’s run defense was notably poor in the 2023 season, allowing 181.4 yards per game. This put them 110th out of 134 FBS schools. However, their pass defense was much better. They allowed just over 200 yards per game, 31st in the FBS.
In four years under Hafley, Boston College had a record of 22-26. Their best season came in 2023, when they finished 7-6 and won the 2023 Fenway Bowl over SMU.
Though Hafley’s defensive record at Boston College was not exceptional, his one season as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State saw great success. Ohio State led the nation in total defense, allowing an average of 259.7 yards per game. They also boasted the best pass defense in college football and allowed the fourth-fewest points per game.
Thamel wrote that a source indicated that Hafley had soured on elements of the college game, including fundraising, the transfer portal and the name, image and likeness industry.
“There’s no time to coach football anymore,” the source said, according to Thamel. “A lot of things that he went back to college for have disappeared.”
Social Media Reactions
With a number high-profile NFL coaches available — most notably Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson — the hiring of Hafley came as a surprise to many Packers fans.
“Does anyone know anything about him?” one fan commented on the Packers’ announcement on X that they’d hired Hafley.
@packers Does anyone know anything about him?
“Head scratcher. Hasn’t done very well as a HC either. They’re really reaching,” one X user commented.
@packers Head scratcher. Hasn’t done very well as a HC either. They’re really reaching.
While some were unaware of Hafley, or wary of his hiring, others seemed to welcome his arrival.
“Welcome to Titletown, Jeff Hafley! Wishing you great success as the new defensive coordinator!” one X user posted.
@packers Welcome to Titletown, Jeff Hafley! Wishing you great success as the new defensive coordinator! 👍
“Welcome Jeff!!! Look forward to you getting the most out of all the talent on this defense,” another X user commented.
@packers Welcome Jeff!!! Look forward to you getting the most out of all the talent on this defense
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,” one fan wrote.
“Love press man. Got to be able to play press man. Have to be able to.” Jeff Hafley. Ok, I’m in.