The Green Bay Packers have quietly built one of the NFL’s most reliable defenses in 2025, and it’s a big reason they’re heading into Week 16 with a strong 9-4-1 record. Week after week, this unit has delivered, and the architect behind it-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley-is starting to draw serious attention across the league. With the NFL’s coaching carousel about to start spinning, Hafley’s name is circulating as a potential head coaching candidate, and it’s not hard to see why.
But while all eyes in Green Bay are rightfully on Saturday’s primetime matchup against the rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, there’s buzz building elsewhere. According to reports, the Tennessee Titans have Hafley high on their list of candidates as they search for a new head coach following the midseason dismissal of Brian Callahan.
Now, it makes sense that Hafley would be on the radar. He’s done a stellar job in Green Bay, and the natural next step for a coordinator of his caliber is a head coaching role. But here’s the thing: Tennessee might not be the right opportunity-or even a good one.
Let’s take a closer look at the Titans' situation. This is a team that had the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is staring down another top selection in 2026. That’s not just a sign of a team in transition-it’s a reflection of a roster that’s deeply flawed and a franchise that’s struggling to find direction.
The Titans made a bold move when they parted ways with Mike Vrabel, a coach who had brought them their most recent playoff success. Vrabel is now back with the New England Patriots and has them back atop the AFC standings.
Meanwhile, Tennessee has been stuck in a holding pattern, cycling through coaches and philosophies. Since Jeff Fisher’s departure in 2010, the franchise has managed just three playoff wins-two of which came under Vrabel’s leadership.
And here’s where things get complicated. Just two years ago, the Titans told their fan base they were prioritizing an offensive-minded head coach.
That led them to Callahan, whose tenure fell flat. Now, according to reports, they’re pivoting again-this time back toward defensive coordinators like Hafley.
The problem isn’t Hafley’s fit as a defensive leader. He’s proven he can build and lead a top-tier unit.
The problem is that Tennessee’s issues go far beyond defense. The roster has holes across the board, particularly on offense, where rookie quarterback Cam Ward is still trying to find his footing-and where there’s a noticeable lack of playmakers around him.
Turning this team around isn’t a one-year project. It’s a full-scale rebuild.
And that’s where the risk lies. Since 2011, the Titans have fired five head coaches.
That’s not a track record that suggests patience. For Hafley, taking that job could mean walking into a situation where success is unlikely and time is short.
That’s a tough combination for any first-time head coach.
If things don’t turn around quickly in Tennessee-and given the state of the roster, that’s a real possibility-it could damage Hafley’s reputation and make it harder for him to land a better opportunity down the line. That’s the kind of setback that can stick with a coach, even one as talented as he is.
For now, Hafley has something good going in Green Bay. He’s leading a defense that’s playing at a high level, he’s earning respect across the league, and he’s positioning himself for the right opportunity-not just the first one that comes along. The Titans may be calling, but this might be one phone call worth letting go to voicemail.