The Green Bay Packers are typically a beacon of stability in the highly volatile universe of the NFL, but that isn’t necessarily the case this offseason.
Green Bay just made the playoffs for the sixth time in seven campaigns under head coach Matt LaFleur, but also exited in deflating fashion after a one-and-done postseason run for the second consecutive year.
LaFleur has expressed interest in moving forward with the Packers beyond the final year of his contract in 2026, but the two sides have made no deal yet, which means anything remains possible.
Meanwhile, Jeff Hafley has emerged as among the top candidates for an AFC job just as the Pittsburgh Steelers submitted a request to interview the Packers defensive coordinator in the coming days.
“The Steelers put in to interview Packers DC Jeff Hafley for their head-coaching job, per sources,” Albert Breer of SI reported Thursday, January 15. “Hafley’s interviewing with the Falcons and Raiders today, had the Dolphins (he’s a strong candidate in Miami) and [Cardinals] yesterday.”
John Harbaugh’s Deal With Giants Cleared Path for Jeff Hafley to Miami
GettyGreen Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
Miami just finished a four-year run with former offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel at the helm, during which the team went 35-33 in the regular season and 0-2 in two playoff appearances.
If the Dolphins are looking to alter the identity of the franchise as McDaniel departs and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the franchise remains in question, Hafley becomes among the likeliest of hires in South Beach.
That outcome is also more likely after John Harbaugh inked a deal with the New York Giants on Thursday to become their new head coach.
Dan Graziano of ESPN predicted on Tuesday that Harbaugh would take the Falcons job, which would have left New York open. He subsequently projected Hafley to land with the Giants.
However, with New York apparently making Harbaugh an offer he couldn’t refuse, the board has reset and Hafley has emerged as a top option in Miami.
NFL Insider Reports Several Teams Would Trade for Matt LaFleur, Pay Him More Money Than Packers
GettyGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on Thursday that LaFleur and Green Bay want to complete a contract extension in the near future.
“I think the expectation and belief is [the Packers expect him back] in Green Bay and [LaFleur is] excited about that opportunity,” Schefter told the Pat McAfee Show. “That is what I would expect to happen right now. But they’re not done, so until they’re done, we’ll see.”
Schefter added that if things drag out, however, trade talks around the coach could heat up quickly.
“There will be a big market for Matt LaFleur,” Schefter added. “Because if the Green Bay Packers don’t work it out, I am telling you right now, Matt LaFleur would get more money from other teams and there would be multiple teams, in my mind, that would be willing to step in and offer draft pick compensation to the Green Bay Packers to get it done.”
Hafley Emerges as Top Option for AFC Team, as LaFleur Talks Updated