Get to know new Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley

Jeff Hafley came a bit out of left field considering the interviews that the Green Bay Packers conducted, but in his new defensive coordinator, Matt LaFleur has found a coach who knows how to field a productive defense and run a team.

That kind of experience should be valuable for Green Bay considering LaFleur's additional responsibilities as offensive coordinator for the Packers. LaFleur put together one of the most explosive young offenses in the league in 2023, and now he has a defensive coordinator who he can trust to essentially be the head coach of Green Bay's defense.

LaFleuer hired Hafley away from Boston College, where he was head coach for the past four seasons. BC isn't necessarily known as a college football powerhouse these days, so in that regard, Hafley had put together a more than respectable program. He left Boston College with a 22-26 overall record, but the Eagles were bowl-eligible in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

More permanent to the Packers is Hafley's abilities as a defensive coach. In 2021, his Boston College defense was ranked No. 3 in all of college football in passing yards allowed. He was also the co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach at Ohio State in 2019, where his defense was ranked No. 1 in the nation in yards allowed per play, No. 2 in total defense and No. 3 in scoring defense. That season, he was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award, which annually goes to the best assistant in college football. He was also named Defensive Coordinator of the Year by 247Sports.