Whether considering DVOA, EPA per play, success rate, pass coverage, pass rush, or run defense, the Green Bay Packers’ defense excelled across the board under Jeff Hafley’s guidance in 2024, outperforming the era of Joe Barry. However, Hafley believes there’s more work to be done. The initial year for any coordinator in the NFL can be a challenging and dynamic experience, particularly when transitioning from college football. Hafley, who had never previously called plays at the professional level, had to assemble his coaching team and instruct his assistants on the scheme during the previous offseason.

The system adapted over the year in response to player capabilities and roster changes, and now it’s time to elevate it further. With the foundation set, Year 2 presents new obstacles. To continue advancing, Hafley is relying on head coach Matt LaFleur’s strategic prowess to address tactical issues and prevent stagnation. While reviewing game footage with the coaching staff, Hafley had LaFleur involved in every session. “He participated in all of them,” Hafley shared during Monday’s press conference.

“We exchanged ideas, and I sought his perspective on what the offense might attempt here, their potential future moves, and his opinion on specific pressures and coverages. We engaged in more football discussions, as I wasn’t solely focused on implementing the defense with the staff. That additional dialogue was beneficial.” The Packers’ defense reached peak performance towards the end of last year, but maintaining that momentum is no easy task. Hafley’s initial task with the revamped defense is to regain their late-2024 form. “Ideally, you aim to swiftly return to where you concluded and build from there.

So, how quickly can we achieve that? We have players familiar with this system, alongside some new additions,” Hafley elaborated. “Adaptation is crucial; we can’t simply rerun the same playbook and say, ‘this is what we’re doing.’ We’re a different team, it’s a new year, and offenses will evolve, so we must evolve too.” Last year, the Packers ranked fourth in EPA per play but were 21st in success rate, indicating a defense that generated many impactful plays and displayed solid overall efficiency, yet lacked consistent down-to-down success.

Hafley aims to address this inconsistency. “I believe we need greater consistency,” Hafley remarked. “We did a lot of things well, but consistency is an area for improvement, including my own performance. Reflecting on how I managed games, the timing and selection of plays, how swiftly I adapted, and my rapport with the players in Year 2. I feel we’ve built a foundation of trust, allowing the relationship to strengthen further.” Jeff Hafley’s impressive debut as an NFL coordinator has put him on the radar for head coaching roles. His effective communication and college head coaching experience make him a prime candidate. Should the Packers continue to enhance their defense, Hafley might soon find himself with broader prospects.