The Green Bay Packers are doubling down on continuity - at least on one side of the ball. Despite another early playoff exit, the team has signed head coach Matt LaFleur to a multiyear extension, signaling a strong vote of confidence in his leadership. But while LaFleur’s future in Green Bay is secure, the Packers are now facing a significant shake-up on defense.
That’s because Jeff Hafley, the man behind Green Bay’s defensive resurgence, is heading to South Beach. Hafley was officially introduced as the Miami Dolphins’ new head coach, capping off a two-year stint in Green Bay that saw the Packers’ defense evolve from underwhelming to downright formidable.
In 2024, Hafley took over a unit that had been stuck in neutral and turned it into the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL. That wasn’t just a cosmetic improvement - it was a full-on identity shift.
And he didn’t let up the following year, guiding the defense to a top-12 finish in 2025 despite battling a wave of injuries. Hafley’s impact was both immediate and lasting, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
At his Dolphins introductory press conference, Hafley made it clear how much his time in Green Bay meant to him. “I want to thank Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers.
The last two years have been two of the best of my life,” he said. “LaFleur is a great football coach.
He’s a great friend. He’s going to have continued great success.”
Hafley also took a moment to shout out the players who helped bring his defensive vision to life. “In two years, we really got close.
I mean really close,” he said. “The love, the connection, the support.
It was hard to say goodbye to those guys but the phone calls and texts - you guys have meant everything to me. I love you.
I wish you the best, other than when we come to Lambeau next year.”
Joining Hafley in Miami is a familiar face from the Packers’ front office: longtime executive Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was named the Dolphins’ new general manager. Sullivan reportedly played a key role in pushing for Hafley during Miami’s hiring process, and now the two will try to build something special together in South Florida.
Back in Green Bay, the search for Hafley’s replacement is already underway. The Packers have cast a wide net, interviewing Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris, former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, and Vikings assistant Daronte Jones. All bring different strengths to the table - Harris with his player development chops, Gannon with head coaching experience, and Jones with a rising reputation in defensive circles.
One name to watch closely: Raheem Morris. The veteran coach was recently let go by the Atlanta Falcons after consecutive 8-9 seasons.
While those records were enough to contend in the NFC South, they weren’t enough to snap Atlanta’s eight-year playoff drought. Still, Morris has a wealth of experience and a track record of getting the most out of his defenses.
He could be an ideal fit for a Green Bay team looking to keep its defensive momentum going.
And let’s be clear - this isn’t just any defensive coordinator job. The Packers have a compelling core on that side of the ball, headlined by star pass rusher Micah Parsons.
The former Cowboys standout suffered a torn ACL in his Green Bay debut, a tough blow for both player and team. But he’s expected to return in the first half of the 2026 season, and if he comes back anywhere near full strength, the Packers will have a game-wrecker up front.
So while the loss of Hafley stings - and make no mistake, it’s a big one - the Packers are still in a strong position. With LaFleur locked in, a promising defensive roster, and a high-profile coordinator opening, Green Bay has a chance to turn this offseason transition into a long-term gain.