The New York Giants may be zeroing in on their next head coach - and all signs point toward Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley being front and center in that conversation.
According to recent reports, Hafley is viewed as a heavy favorite for the Giants' head coaching vacancy, and it’s not hard to see why. His name has been circulating in coaching circles for a while now, and this isn’t his first brush with a top job.
He interviewed for the Jets' head coaching position last offseason before that role ultimately went to Aaron Glenn. This time, though, the momentum around Hafley feels different - stronger, more inevitable.
At 46, Hafley’s coaching résumé is both wide-ranging and impressive. He got his start back in 2011 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and from there, he climbed the ranks through college programs like Albany, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers.
His first break in the NFL came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he served as an assistant defensive backs coach. That role opened the door to stops with the Browns and 49ers, where he continued to build a reputation as a sharp defensive mind.
But it was his 2019 season as co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State that really put him on the national radar. That success led to a head coaching job at Boston College in 2020, where he spent four seasons before making the leap back to the NFL in 2024 as the Packers’ defensive coordinator.
And what a debut season it’s been in Green Bay.
In 2025, Hafley’s defense didn’t just show up - it dominated. The Packers finished the year ranked fifth in total yards allowed, sixth in points allowed, ninth against the run, and seventh against the pass. That’s elite production across the board, and it speaks to a unit that was disciplined, well-coached, and consistently prepared - all hallmarks of a coach who knows how to lead.
For a Giants team looking to reset and find a long-term vision, Hafley brings a compelling blend of NFL and college experience, defensive acumen, and leadership chops. He’s coached at nearly every level, and wherever he’s gone, his defenses have gotten better. That’s not just a trend - it’s a track record.
But Hafley isn’t the only name in the mix. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is also expected to be a serious candidate.
He previously interviewed with the Giants and brings his own wealth of experience and defensive expertise to the table. Anarumo has long been respected for his ability to scheme against modern offenses and adjust on the fly - a trait that’s become essential in today’s NFL.
Still, Hafley’s stock is rising fast, and his recent success in Green Bay could be the tipping point. In a league where defensive coordinators with head coaching potential don’t stay on the market long, the Giants may not want to wait.
If New York is looking for a coach who can build a culture, command a locker room, and bring a top-tier defense with him, Jeff Hafley checks all the boxes. The Giants' search is far from over, but don’t be surprised if Hafley ends up being the guy holding the whistle in East Rutherford next season.