The Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley is set to return to Green Bay for a second season. Hafley interviewed for the New York Jets Head Coaching job last week but the Jets announced on Wednesday that they are set to hire Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn. With Hafley back for another season, the much improved Packers defense looks to build off their impressive 2024 campaign.
Matt LaFleur made a rather surprising decision to hire the former Boston College Head Coach last offseason. Hafley was a bit of an unexpected hire which resulted in a mixed set of expectations for the Packers defense. However, from his very first press conference, Hafley won a lot of people over. Throughout the season, Packers players shared their praise of Jeff Hafley. This is quite the turn around after a few players were not reluctant to express their displeasure with former Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry.
The Packers defense finished the season with the 7th highest DVOA ranking. That ranking is 20 spots higher than 2023 in which the Green Bay defense ranked 27th in defensive DVOA. On top of the DVOA improvement, the Packers had the 7th best rush defense which is much improved from their 2023 ranking of 28th. In 2023, the Packers defense allowed an average of 128.3 rushing yards per game. In 2024, the defense only allowed 99.4 rushing yards. The Packers forced the 4th most turnovers (31) in the NFL. Finally, in 2024, the team jumped 4 spots from the 10th fewest points allowed to the 6th fewest points allowed.
What to Expect from Jeff Hafley in Year 2
The hopes are high for the Packers defense in 2025. The majority of the Green Bay defense is expected to be back. Eric Stokes, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, and TJ Slaton are set to be free agents. The big question mark is the status of Pro Bowler CB Jaire Alexander. The signs are pointing to a potential split between the Packers and Alexander. However, that still means the Packers defense is set to return 9 starters.
With one season under their belt, it is easy to expect that the defense will improve. It is likely that the players’ understanding of the scheme will be much improved in 2025. This will be critical for Javon Bullard, Edgerrin Cooper, and Evan Williams. All three rookies played well this season and were heavily relied upon. Hopefully with a deeper understanding of the playbook, they will take another jump in year 2.
Early in the season, Hafley expressed his intent to rush 4 guys the majority of the time. The inconsistent play up front forced Hafley to generate more blitzes. The Packers pass rush will be vocal point of improvement this offseason. Hafley and LaFleur are currently interviewing to fill the open defensive line coaching position. Jeff Hafley also intended to play more man to man coverage. Unfortunately, once Alexander went down with his knee injury, it made it more difficult for Hafley to play man coverage. The 2025 hope is the Packers will be able to generate more pressure with a 4 man rush and have the ability to play more man coverage.
It is expected that GM Brian Gutekunst and his staff will address the pass rush and the cornerback room. It is likely that the Packers will try improve those two units. Whether Gutekunst does it in free agency, the draft, or both is to be determined. With a few new pieces, the nucleus of the defense is already in place. Hafley should have a plethora of weapons on all three levels in 2025. Fingers crossed this defense becomes a real threat in year 2 under Jeff Hafley.
