There are growing speculations that Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley could transition to a head coaching position in the upcoming cycle. Senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, in a recent ESPN article detailing potential candidates for head coaching vacancies, identified Hafley as a frontrunner. Notably, he has been linked to the open position with the New York Giants, a connection buoyed by his roots as a native of Montvale, New Jersey.
Hafley has been instrumental in revitalizing the Packers’ defense over the past two seasons. Under his leadership, the team made significant strides last season, achieving impressive rankings: sixth in points allowed, fifth in total yards allowed, and fourth in takeaways. However, the team’s performance in 2025 has been mixed due to injuries to key players, including defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt and edge rusher Micah Parsons. As a result, the Packers currently stand at 11th in points and yards allowed and sit lower on the list at 27th in takeaways.
With his extensive experience, including seven years as a defensive assistant in the NFL and a stint as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State, Hafley also led Boston College as head coach from 2020 to 2023. Should he accept a head coaching role, it would mark a significant change for the Packers, requiring head coach Matt LaFleur to find his fourth different defensive coordinator since taking the helm in 2019.
The potential for Hafley to ascend to head coach illustrates the dynamic nature of NFL coaching, reflecting how successful coordinators are increasingly becoming sought-after candidates for top positions across the league.