The overall play of the Green Bay Packers defense this season was positive. Jeff Hafley oversaw significant improvements across the board, particularly against the run.
The Packers hope Hafley sticks around, although he has received head coach interest from the New York Jets.
Despite his success in Year 1, the defensive line fell well short of expectations. With a group featuring three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark and first-round picks Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Devonte Wyatt, the Packers’ front was expected to finally reach its potential in Hafley’s system.
It never happened. While the Packers finished eighth in the NFL for sacks with 45, it doesn’t tell the full story. They lacked consistency, and the promising moments were far too sporadic. This group made 19 sacks in three games: at Tennessee, vs. Houston, and at Seattle.
Per ESPN, the Packers ranked 26th in pass rush win rate, while their Pro Football Focus pass rush grade ranked 17th.
As a result, Matt LaFleur has made a change.
Packers move on from defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich after disappointing season
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers have moved on from defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich.
Rebrovich was part of the Packers’ defensive staff before they hired Hafley, spending time as the outside linebackers coach and pass rush specialist. He became the defensive line coach in 2024.
But the results weren’t there. Green Bay’s front rarely got home with four rushers, forcing Hafley to get creative, blitz more often, and cover for the Packers’ struggles. Hafley made it work, but it was far from an ideal situation that hurt the entire defense.
Who could replace Rebrovich?
The Packers will undoubtedly consider in-house candidates, but another name to watch is New York Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers will interview him for the job.
LaFleur needed to make a change. It wasn’t working with Rebrovich, and the Packers will now get a fresh voice coaching the defensive line.
