As was the case last year, the Green Bay Packers saw their run in the NFL Playoffs end abruptly with a loss in the NFC Wild Card round. But whereas last year saw them dominated in every phase of the game by the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, this year’s loss to the Chicago Bears had fans hopeful that the Packers would make a somewhat extended run in the postseason.
Unfortunately, after leading 21-6 in the second half, Green Bay was outscored 25-6 in the fourth quarter and lost the game 31-27. The loss has many fans calling for changes, some of which will undoubtedly be made, and some of which will not.
To that end, one situation everyone will be monitoring is that of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who is currently scheduled to meet with five different NFL teams for their head coaching vacancies.
Micah Parsons does not think Jeff Hafley will leave the Green Bay Packers
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Throughout the season, there were many Packers fans who did not want to see Hafley get any interviews for a head coaching job because they liked the job he was doing as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator. However, following the loss to Chicago, many fans are wanting him replaced as well.
It is worth noting, though, that Hafley’s defense suffered due to the plethora of injuries it sustained to key players. Devonte Wyatt was lost for the year with a broken ankle and torn ligament, for example, and All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons tore his ACL.
The latter of these players spoke to reporters on Monday, and gave his thoughts on the perspective that his defensive coordinator could be coaching elsewhere in 2026:
“Nah,” Parsons said with a smile. “Haf ain’t going nowhere.”
Clearly, Parsons does not think that Hafley is going to leave Green Bay, and the smile he had on his face when he gave his answer implies that he does not want him to.
Indeed, Parsons has frequently praised Hafley throughout the season, and one cannot argue with the results given the fact that the former Dallas Cowboys star had 12.5 sacks and was a First Team All-Pro in his first season with the Packers.
Ideally, Hafley gets all of his players back next season, sees them stay healthy, and is able to do more of what he would like to see done with them on the field instead of in street clothes.
More Green Bay Packers news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Jim Leonhard is obvious choice for Packers DC if Jeff Hafley leaves
- 3 reasons that support the Packers desire to give Matt LaFleur a contract extension
- 4 Packers players under contract that may be cut prior to 2026 NFL season
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