Sean Duggan Set to Become Linebackers Coach for the Green Bay Packers

A Natural Progression in Coaching The Green Bay Packers are expected to promote Sean Duggan to linebackers coach, according to NFL Network. This move fills the vacancy left by Anthony Campanile, who recently accepted the defensive coordinator position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Duggan’s promotion comes as no surprise, given his long-standing relationship with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

A Strong Connection with Jeff Hafley Duggan’s coaching journey has been closely tied to Hafley. Their professional relationship began at Ohio State in 2019, where Duggan served as a graduate assistant under Hafley. When Hafley became the head coach at Boston College in 2020, he brought Duggan on board as his linebackers coach. Their collaboration continued when Hafley joined the Packers as defensive coordinator in 2024, with Duggan following as a defensive assistant.

Duggan has frequently spoken about his admiration for Hafley. During his introductory press conference at Boston College in 2020, Duggan stated, “Coach Haf and I always sat next to each other on gameday in the press box. We developed a relationship off the field, just talking football. He’s one of the smartest coaches and one of the best people I’ve ever been around.” This strong professional bond paved the way for Duggan’s continued success.

A Rapidly Rising Coaching Star Duggan’s rise in the coaching ranks has been impressive. In 2023, Hafley promoted him to co-defensive coordinator at Boston College. Hafley has been vocal about his belief in Duggan’s potential, stating, “After working with Sean at Ohio State, he was a guy who jumped out. If I ever landed a head job, I knew I had to hire him. He is smart, reliable, sees things on gameday, and really understands the big picture.”

This collaboration paid off on the field. Hafley recalled a key play during a game against Houston, where Duggan’s keen eye led to a successful defensive adjustment. “Sean sits next to me in the booth. We’re constantly going through the iPad, analyzing plays. He spotted something and suggested a change that led to a sack. That was all Sean Duggan,” Hafley explained.

Duggan’s Playing and Coaching Background Duggan played linebacker at Boston College, where he was named team captain in his senior year in 2014. He concluded his playing career with 115 tackles and two interceptions. His transition into coaching was swift—he began as a graduate assistant at Boston College in 2015 before taking on the linebackers coach role at Hawaii (2016-2017) and UMass (2018). His tenure at these programs set him up for his opportunity at Ohio State under Hafley in 2019.

Duggan’s coaching ability has been widely recognized. In both 2020 and 2021, he earned a spot on 247Sports’ 30Under30 list, highlighting the top college football coaches under the age of 30. Reflecting on his journey, Duggan remarked, “Being a coach now, everything matters way more than you think it does when you’re a player. I’ve been very fortunate to be around a lot of really smart people who have helped teach me.”

The Challenge Ahead in Green Bay Duggan will step into a significant role with the Packers. Under Campanile’s guidance, the team transformed from having one of the worst run defenses in the NFL to one of the best. In the five seasons under head coach Matt LaFleur before 2024, the Packers ranked last in rushing yards allowed per carry. However, in 2024, they surged to third place.

The linebacker position in Green Bay is in flux. Quay Walker, the team’s 2022 first-round pick, will return alongside promising second-round rookie Edgerrin Cooper. However, veterans Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie are set to become free agents. McDuffie previously played under Hafley and Duggan at Boston College, potentially increasing the chances of his return.

Another key player to watch is Ty’Ron Hopper, a third-round pick entering his second season. After seeing limited playing time as a rookie, he will be expected to make significant strides under Duggan’s leadership.

Building a New Defensive Era Duggan’s promotion marks the second major addition to the Packers’ defensive staff this offseason. DeMarcus Covington, who served as the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator in 2024, has been named the new defensive line coach. Covington is a strong candidate to take over the run-game coordinator responsibilities, further strengthening Green Bay’s defensive coaching unit.

With Duggan’s tactical mindset and deep connection with Hafley, the Packers are looking to build upon their defensive resurgence. His promotion is not just a routine coaching move—it is a statement of trust in his ability to elevate Green Bay’s defense to new heights.