The Green Bay Packers‘ defense was among the most improved units in the NFL in 2024, a driving force behind a run to the postseason, and in 2025 it might be coordinator Jeff Hafley who makes an even bigger leap.
In his first season at the helm, the Packers finished sixth in total defense while holding opponents to 315.6 yards per game, and could be even more dominant in 2025 if second-year linebacker Edgerrin Cooper continues to improve and if Green Bay can get anything out of edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. Not to mention continuity in scheme.
Hafley has become a rising star in the coaching community after the Packers’ quick turnaround on defense, which could have the clock already starting on his time in Green Bay.
Packers’ Jeff Hafley a Head Coaching Name to Watch in 2026
If the Packers build on last season’s success on defense, Green Bay could become a force in the NFC this fall, and Hafley could become a top head coaching candidate to watch next winter.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky says Hafley is the coordinator from the NFC North most likely to become a head coach in 2026.
“He’s already been a head coach,” Demovsky points out for ESPN. “Albeit at the college level. He gave up the Boston College job to return to the NFL last season, and his impact in Green Bay was immediate.
“The Packers’ oft-shaky run defense allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards in the NFL, its highest ranking in 15 years, and also was top-10 in fewest points allowed, yards allowed and takeaways. He already interviewed for at least one NFL head coaching job when the Jets brought him in this past offseason.”
Hafley’s past head coaching experience would undoubtedly serve him well, and even in a league that is tilted more in favor of offenses than before, there are always teams looking to build around their defense and instill an attitude that permeates the culture, which is much easier done with a tone-setting defensive-minded head coach.
Even though the Packers have invested significant resources around quarterback Jordan Love and the offense, it might be Hafley’s defense that holds the key to Green Bay taking the next step towards a championship and the 46-year-old landing a program of his own.
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