GREEN BAY, Wis. — Whenever a team changes coordinators, there’s always a lot of hype about how much better things will be with the new guy. But the Green Bay Packers’ enthusiasm for their new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, isn’t just talk. It’s not only the defensive players who are praising him.
“Even talking to the offensive linemen and other offensive players, they’re noticing a big difference in how the defense looks,” said defensive lineman Kenny Clark. “It’s encouraging.”
Hafley, who left his head coaching position at Boston College to return to the NFL, previously worked with Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and San Francisco from 2012-18. His goal is to revitalize a defense that hasn’t met expectations despite the Packers’ significant investment in it.
Early signs suggest Hafley is making an impact. After every Packers practice, either the offense or defense has to do pushups, depending on who performed worse. Clark mentioned that the defense has only had to do pushups once so far.
“I really appreciate the commitment and effort they’re putting in,” Hafley said. “They’ve been disruptive and working hard.”
The defense excelled during the first week of training camp, while starting quarterback Jordan Love was out due to unresolved contract issues. Since Love resumed practice following his four-year, $220 million extension, the offense has improved, but the defense continues to make significant plays.
“The defense has done an excellent job of varying their looks,” Love said. “They don’t give you the same look twice in a row. They do a great job with their disguises and pressures, which makes it a real challenge for the quarterback.”
Hafley replaces Joe Barry, who was fired after the Packers’ NFC divisional playoff loss to San Francisco. Hafley has brought a scheme change, shifting from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon noted, “I played in this defense during my third year with the Raiders, and we made the playoffs. We’re more talented now than that team was three years ago.”
Talent hasn’t been the problem for Green Bay’s defense. Last season’s roster included eight former first-round picks, though safety Darnell Savage has since been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The remaining seven first-rounders are expected to produce better results this season.
The Packers’ defense ranked 17th in total yards allowed per game and 28th in rushing yards allowed last season. “Last year, we got into a lot of second-and-shorts and third-and-shorts situations, allowing teams to gain yards easily,” Clark said. “This year, we expect more tackles for loss and better stops at the line. We’re playing with more intensity and urgency.”
Defensive lineman T.J. Slaton was more direct about the potential of the front four: “It’s going to be a nightmare for opposing teams.”
Hafley has also focused on increasing takeaways, as Green Bay only intercepted seven passes last season, ranking second-to-last in the league.
Rashan Gary, who is returning from an ACL injury, could benefit greatly from Hafley’s arrival. Hafley praised Gary’s leadership and intensity, noting that Gary’s initiative has helped raise the team’s overall intensity.
Gary himself is excited about the new defense. “Aggression, playing fast, physical, and with effort—that’s my game,” he said.
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