Green Bay Packers Part Ways with Defensive Line Coach Jason Rebrovich
After an underwhelming season for the Green Bay Packers’ defensive front, the team has decided to part ways with defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich. Head coach Matt LaFleur has already begun the search for a replacement, interviewing several candidates, but one potential hire is already off the table.
Kacy Rodgers Heads to the Detroit Lions: A Painful Loss for the Packers
The Packers’ loss stings even more given that the coach they were considering, Kacy Rodgers, has been hired by the division rival Detroit Lions. Rodgers, who most recently served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ run game coordinator and defensive line coach, will bring his extensive experience to the Lions, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.
This is a particularly tough blow for the Packers, as the Lions had recently lost their defensive coordinator, Terrell Williams, to the New England Patriots. With Dan Campbell already facing challenges in rebuilding his staff after the departures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, adding Rodgers to their ranks is a significant gain.
It’s worth noting that it’s uncommon for a team to hire a position coach before securing a coordinator, but Rodgers’ respected name and proven track record in the league make this an understandable move for the Lions.
The Packers’ Defensive Line Coach Search: Who’s Still in the Running?
With Kacy Rodgers now off the table, Matt LaFleur’s search for the Packers’ next defensive line coach continues. While there have been no clear indications of who the team’s first choice might be, two other candidates have emerged after LaFleur conducted interviews.
The first is Aaron Whitecotton, the New York Jets’ defensive line coach. Whitecotton has spent the past four seasons working under Robert Saleh with the Jets, gaining experience with multiple teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. While he didn’t overlap with Jeff Hafley in San Francisco, there are clear schematic connections between Whitecotton’s experience and what the Packers may be looking for.
The second candidate is Eric Washington, a more experienced alternative. With a career in the NFL dating back to 2008, Washington has served as a defensive line coach for the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills. He’s also spent time as a defensive coordinator for both the Panthers and Bears, working under defensive-minded head coaches Ron Rivera and Matt Eberflus. After Eberflus was fired by the Bears, Washington stepped in as the playcaller for the remainder of the season. Washington’s experience in leadership roles could make him a strong contender to take on the challenge in Green Bay.
What’s Next for the Packers’ Defensive Front?
The Packers’ decision to part ways with Jason Rebrovich signals a desire for change and improvement in the defensive line. With Rodgers heading to a division rival and a couple of promising candidates still under consideration, the Packers’ coaching search will likely have a significant impact on the team’s future. Whether they choose a more experienced coach like Eric Washington or a rising star like Aaron Whitecotton, the next defensive line coach will play a key role in shaping the team’s defensive identity moving forward.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Packers as they look to find the right fit for this vital position and continue building toward a more competitive future.