The Green Bay Packers’ search for a new defensive coordinator just got a little more complicated.
After Jeff Hafley made the jump to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Matt LaFleur is now tasked with finding his fourth defensive coordinator since taking over in 2019. And while the list of potential replacements has been long, only four candidates have officially interviewed for the job - and now that list is down to three.
Christian Parker, a top candidate, is heading to Dallas.
Parker was the first name Green Bay brought in for an interview during this hiring cycle, and for good reason. He’s familiar with the organization, having served on LaFleur’s inaugural coaching staff back in 2019. But Parker’s stock has been rising fast, and the Packers weren’t the only team interested.
Now, he’s off the board.
Parker is set to become the next defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, a move that highlights just how quickly his coaching trajectory is ascending. At just 34 years old, Parker has already built an impressive résumé. He spent the past two seasons as the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach with the Philadelphia Eagles under Vic Fangio - a role that gave him a front-row seat to one of the league’s more complex defensive systems.
Before that, he served as the defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos, where he helped shape a secondary that was consistently among the league’s best in pass defense.
Dallas clearly saw something they liked, and now Parker will be tasked with leading a Cowboys defense that already has plenty of talent - and expectations to match.
So where does that leave the Packers?
With Parker heading to Dallas, Green Bay’s pool of officially interviewed candidates is down to three. While those names haven’t been publicly confirmed in full, the Packers are still actively working through their options.
There’s also buzz around another potential target: Jim Leonhard. The former Wisconsin Badgers interim head coach and current assistant head coach with the Denver Broncos is reportedly on LaFleur’s radar.
Leonhard’s defensive acumen has long been respected, and his ties to the state of Wisconsin only add to the intrigue. However, due to NFL rules, he can’t interview with any team until after the AFC Championship Game wraps up on Sunday.
What’s next for Green Bay?
This is a pivotal hire for LaFleur and the Packers. With a young, ascending roster and a surging offense led by Jordan Love, the defensive side of the ball needs a steady, innovative hand to match. Hafley brought energy and a fresh approach, and whoever steps into the role next will be expected to build on that momentum.
While losing Parker to Dallas stings - especially given his familiarity with the organization - the search is far from over. LaFleur has shown he’s willing to cast a wide net, and the right fit could still be out there.
Stay tuned. This hire could shape the next chapter of Green Bay football.