Matt LaFleur is deep into the search for the next defensive coordinator in Green Bay, and while the list of candidates continues to grow, one name keeps echoing through the halls of Lambeau and across social media: Al Harris.
Yes, that Al Harris - the lockdown corner who spent seven seasons wearing the green and gold, earned two Pro Bowl nods, and cemented his legacy with a spot in the Packers Hall of Fame. Now, he’s making waves in the coaching world, and according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, LaFleur has already sat down with Harris as part of the interview process.
That news wasn’t just met with excitement - it lit a spark. Former Packers Pro Bowl defensive tackle Mike Daniels summed up the sentiment of the fanbase in just two words: “Do it.”
Why Al Harris Makes Sense - On and Off the Field
Daniels has never been shy about calling out what he sees as a lack of edge on Green Bay’s defense. He’s talked about it for years - even before LaFleur took over as head coach.
And when he recently joined the Pack-A-Day Podcast, Daniels didn’t hold back. He spoke about the emotional gap between the Packers and their NFC North rivals, pointing to moments like the infamous Anthony Barr hit on Aaron Rodgers - a play that was celebrated by the Vikings like a trophy kill.
“There’s a hatred that in Green Bay we don’t have,” Daniels said. “These guys hate us.”
That’s the kind of fire Harris could help reignite. He knows what the NFC North is about.
He’s played in it. Coached against it.
Felt the animosity. And he’s not just a name from the past - he’s built a résumé that’s turning heads around the league.
Harris’ Coaching Credentials Are More Than Nostalgia
This isn’t about a feel-good reunion story. Harris has been doing serious work as a defensive backs coach, and the numbers speak for themselves.
In five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Harris helped guide a secondary that picked off 82 passes - third-most in the NFL over that span. This past season in Chicago, his defensive backs led the league with 23 interceptions in 17 games.
That’s not a fluke. That’s a pattern.
A trend. A coach who knows how to teach ball skills, positioning, and aggression.
Across six seasons coaching DBs, Harris’ units have generated 105 interceptions. That’s elite production, and it’s coming from a guy who preaches physical, aggressive cornerback play - something Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted as a core part of Harris’ coaching philosophy.
While Harris hasn’t called plays yet, there’s a belief - based on the systems he’s worked in - that he’d lean into a blitz-heavy approach. That would mark a notable shift from the more passive schemes Packers fans have grown frustrated with in recent years. And it might be exactly what this defense needs: a jolt of urgency, aggression, and yes, a little bit of that old-school swagger.
Other Candidates in the Mix
LaFleur isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket. He’s already interviewed several candidates, including Christian Parker - a young, rising defensive mind with the Eagles who previously worked under LaFleur in Green Bay from 2019 to 2020.
There’s also the potential for Jim Leonhard to enter the mix. The current Broncos pass-game coordinator was a top candidate for the DC job back in 2021. However, LaFleur would need to wait until Denver's postseason run ends before any interview could happen.
Bringing Harris Home Would Resonate
Make no mistake - this is a competitive search. LaFleur is casting a wide net, as he should.
But Al Harris isn’t just a sentimental favorite. He’s a serious contender who brings both credibility and a deep connection to the franchise’s identity.
He understands what it means to wear the "G," and he knows what it takes to win in this league - not just with talent, but with attitude.
Mike Daniels said it best. The Packers don’t just need a new scheme. They need a new mindset.
And if LaFleur wants to bring back some of that old-school Packers toughness - the kind that made Lambeau a place opponents feared - then Harris might just be the guy to lead that charge.
The fans are ready. Daniels is ready. Now it’s up to LaFleur.