The Green Bay Packers’ coaching staff has undergone a significant shake-up this offseason, and it’s largely tied to Jeff Hafley’s departure to become the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins. As expected, Hafley didn’t head to South Florida alone - he brought a few familiar faces from Green Bay with him.
Among those making the move: Ryan Downard, who leaves his post as the Packers’ secondary coach to take on the same role in Miami. Sean Duggan, formerly Green Bay’s linebackers coach, is stepping into a bigger spotlight as the Dolphins’ new defensive coordinator. And Wendel Davis, a steady presence on Matt LaFleur’s staff since 2019, is also heading to Miami to reunite with Hafley.
But not everyone from Green Bay’s orbit is following Hafley to Miami. Nathaniel Hackett - a name Packers fans know well - was initially expected to join the Dolphins as quarterbacks coach. That plan, however, has changed in a big way.
Instead of heading to Miami, Hackett is taking a much larger role out west: he’s been hired as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals.
This move reunites Hackett with a familiar face: Mike LaFleur, who was recently named the Cardinals’ head coach. Mike, of course, is the brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, making them the fourth pair of brothers to serve as NFL head coaches at the same time - a rare and impressive distinction in league history.
For Hackett, the Arizona opportunity marks a significant step up from the role he was reportedly in line for with the Dolphins. Offensive coordinator is a high-profile gig, especially for a team looking to reshape its identity under a new head coach. And considering Hackett’s experience - both the highs and the lows - it’s a fresh chance to re-establish himself as a top offensive mind in the league.
Hackett’s recent NFL journey has been a winding one. After serving as Green Bay’s offensive coordinator during some of Aaron Rodgers’ most efficient seasons, he took the head coaching job with the Denver Broncos - a stint that ultimately didn’t pan out.
He later landed in New York, replacing Mike LaFleur as the Jets’ offensive coordinator after the team acquired Rodgers. That reunion didn’t go as planned either.
Following a tough season, Hackett was demoted and eventually let go.
He returned to Green Bay in a lower-profile role as a defensive analyst - an unusual position for someone with his offensive pedigree. But the move gave Jeff Hafley a unique resource: an offensive-minded coach helping to shape defensive game plans. It was a behind-the-scenes role, but one that showed Hackett’s willingness to adapt and stay involved in the game.
Now, with the Cardinals, Hackett gets to step back into the spotlight. He’ll be tasked with building an offense that can complement Mike LaFleur’s vision and help Arizona take the next step forward. It’s a big opportunity - and one that may just be the reset Hackett needs.
As for the Packers, losing multiple assistants in one offseason is never easy, but it’s part of the coaching carousel that spins faster every year. Matt LaFleur will have some key roles to fill, but the foundation in Green Bay remains strong. And with Hafley now in Miami and Hackett in Arizona, the Packers’ coaching tree continues to grow - even if it’s branching out in unexpected directions.