Potential Coaching Replacements for the Green Bay Packers

With the Green Bay Packers’ coaching staff under a microscope due to their playoff appearances and the youth of the team, new opportunities are arising. This season, both offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley have been sought after for head coaching positions with other teams. While neither of them may be the frontrunner for their respective roles, head coach Matt LaFleur must have some potential replacements in mind. Let’s explore some of the names that the Packers may consider for key positions in the near future.

Defensive Coordinator Candidates

Anthony Campanile – Linebackers Coach/Running Game Coordinator

Anthony Campanile’s first season with the Packers has caught the attention of both LaFleur and Hafley, who have praised his contributions to the team. Campanile’s ability to help develop rookie Edgerrin Cooper, alongside improving the team’s run defense, which went from ranking 32nd in 2019 to 8th in 2023, positions him as a strong candidate for the defensive coordinator role. His experience interviewing for DC positions with both the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants further showcases his growing reputation in the coaching world.

Robert Saleh – Former 49ers Defensive Coordinator & Jets Head Coach

Robert Saleh, who has already made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and as the Jets’ play-calling head coach, is a name that could surface as a top candidate. LaFleur’s close friendship with Saleh would certainly make him an appealing option to consider for Green Bay. With Saleh currently interviewing for head coaching roles and being the preferred DC option for the 49ers, competition for his services would be intense, making this a long shot, but not an impossible one.

Jim Leonhard – Broncos Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Coordinator

Jim Leonhard’s journey has taken him from being the Wisconsin Badgers’ defensive coordinator to his current position with the Denver Broncos as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. The Packers had previously offered him the DC role back in 2021, but Leonhard declined. Since then, his stock has risen, and the situation in Green Bay may now be more conducive to a successful collaboration. His experience at both the collegiate and NFL levels makes him a valuable asset for the Packers.

Offensive Coordinator Candidates

Jason Vrable – Packers Passing Game Coordinator

Promoting from within has worked well for the Packers in the past, and it could be the solution again. Jason Vrable, who has been with LaFleur since 2019, has gradually moved up from offensive assistant to wide receivers coach, and now to passing game coordinator. His familiarity with LaFleur’s system and ability to work with the players could make him an ideal candidate for offensive coordinator.

Nathaniel Hackett – Jets Offensive Coordinator

Nathaniel Hackett, who had a very successful tenure with the Packers between 2019 and 2021, could be a return option for the offensive coordinator role. While Hackett has struggled in recent years as a head coach with the Denver Broncos and as the Jets’ offensive coordinator, his time in Green Bay was marked by strong collaboration with LaFleur. The opportunity to rejoin the Packers and focus on game planning rather than head coaching responsibilities could be a much better fit for Hackett, especially with LaFleur’s confidence in his abilities.

Luke Getsy – Former Bears and Raiders Offensive Coordinator

Luke Getsy, who worked with LaFleur as a quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator before leaving to become an offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders, could also make a return to Green Bay. Though his time as a play-caller in Chicago and Las Vegas didn’t yield much success, Getsy’s previous contributions to the Packers under Mike McCarthy and LaFleur’s trust in him make him a logical candidate for a potential return, whether as offensive coordinator or quarterbacks coach to replace Tom Clements.

Final Thoughts

The Green Bay Packers are undoubtedly in a position of strength with their coaching staff, having a solid foundation in place and a young roster on the rise. The potential for changes, whether on offense or defense, could shape the future of the franchise. With experienced names like Campanile, Saleh, Leonhard, and Getsy in the mix, LaFleur and the Packers front office have a lot of solid options to consider as they look toward the future.