The Green Bay Packers made some pretty significant changes this offseason. Offensively, the Packers made the decision to move on from running back Aaron Jones, who has since signed with the Minnesota Vikings. In his place, Green Bay signed 2022 NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs and drafted USC’s Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, they brought back a motivated AJ Dillon on an extremely team-friendly deal.
In the trenches, at least on the offensive side of the ball, the Packers bid adieu to Jon Runyan Jr., Yosh Nijman, and David Bakhtiari. Runyan and Nijman departed in free agency while Bakhtiari was released. To replace them, the Packers drafted Jordan Morgan, Jacob Monk, and Travis Glover.
Defensively, the Packers made numerous changes to the safety position, allowing Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford, and Jonathan Owens to leave in free agency. To replace them, Green Bay signed Xavier McKinney in free agency and selected Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo in the draft.
Perhaps, though, the most important change Green Bay made was on the defensive coaching staff.
The Green Bay Packers Fired Joe Barry and Replaced Him with Jeff Hafley
After three years of mediocre-to-bad defense, head coach Matt LaFleur made the decision that it was time to part ways with defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Last season, there were rumors of discord in the defensive locker room. Reports of poor communication among coaches and players continued all season. Things got so bad that LaFleur, an offensive-minded head coach, had to step in and have a more active roll in defensive game-planning.
After Barry was let go, LaFleur hired former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as his defensive coordinator. Since the day he first spoke to the media, there has been a buzz surrounding the defense and what they are looking to change in 2024. Hafley and his coaches have promised a more aggressive front seven that will be much better against the run.
Defensive players from last year, too, have spoken glowingly of Hafley during OTA’s. Jaire Alexander had strong words regarding how different things are with the new regime, and Devonte Wyatt believes that the new scheme is going to help him accomplish some big goals.
Green Bay Packers Legend Mike Daniels Has Big Expectations for Kenny Clark Now that Jeff Hafley Is the Defensive Coordinator
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
During a recent media session at OTA’s, defensive tackle Kenny Clark said of Hafley and his defense:
“When we do drills, I’m like, ‘Damn.’ We’ve got like a big group of defensive linemen now. It’s going to be a lot different, but with this system, you’ve got to play like that.
“Now this is giving us a chance to shut all that other stuff off … just use your ability, go up the field and be disruptive. I just think with my get-off and how I am, I think it’s going to suit me well.”
Clark is not the only one who thinks he will thrive under Hafley. Former Packers defensive star Mike Daniels had strong words earlier this year regarding how he thinks Clark will play in Hafley’s system:
“You might as well get Kenny Clark’s Hall of Fame jacket and just start fitting him for it right now, man. I’m excited for him and I’m excited for any young guy coming in, because they’re going to come into a situation where they’re going to be encouraged to make the plays and not be there for the others to make plays.”
Hafley will be the fourth defensive coordinator Clark has played for since being drafted. He made Pro Bowl appearances with Mike Pettine and Barry leading the defense, so if Hafley is really an improvement over them, Clark could be in for a special season.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
