With Jeff Hafley off to take the reins as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, the Green Bay Packers find themselves back in a familiar spot-searching for a new defensive coordinator. Hafley brought a jolt of energy and direction to Green Bay’s defense during his short but impactful two-year stint, and now the Packers are looking to maintain that momentum as they begin the 2026 offseason.
But while the defensive coordinator search will grab plenty of headlines, it’s worth asking: should the Packers also be taking a long, hard look at their offensive coaching structure?
Let’s be honest-Green Bay’s offense in 2025 was a rollercoaster. At times, it showed flashes of what it could be.
But more often, it hovered in that frustrating middle ground between functional and forgettable. The numbers tell the story: 15th in total offense (332.6 yards per game), 17th in passing (212.8 ypg), 15th in rushing (119.8 ypg), and 16th in scoring (23.0 points per game).
That’s the definition of league average, and for a team trying to contend in a loaded NFC, average just isn’t going to cut it.
Head coach Matt LaFleur, fresh off a contract extension, now has a chance to recalibrate. And that could mean going back to the foundation that shaped his coaching identity-the Shanahan coaching tree.
LaFleur got his NFL start in 2008 as an offensive assistant in Houston under then-offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The two later joined forces again in Washington under Mike Shanahan, forming part of a now-legendary staff that included future head coaches like Sean McVay, Raheem Morris, and Mike McDaniel.
One name from that coaching tree that’s gaining traction again? Bobby Slowik.
A Green Bay native and son of former Packers assistant Bob Slowik, Bobby’s NFL roots run deep. After making waves as the Texans’ offensive coordinator in 2023, he became one of the league’s hottest names.
That season, he helped rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud take the league by storm, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and turning the Texans into a surprise playoff contender.
Slowik’s offensive system-built on Shanahan principles like play-action, spacing, and layered route combinations-was praised for its creativity and balance.
Stroud was vocal in his trust for Slowik’s play-calling, famously saying, “You call it, we ball it.” That kind of quarterback confidence doesn’t come easy-and it speaks volumes about Slowik’s understanding of both scheme and game flow.
LaFleur himself has spoken highly of Slowik’s football mind, noting that his deep understanding of defensive structures has made him a more effective offensive strategist. That’s the kind of insight that could be invaluable for a Packers offense that has, at times, struggled to adjust on the fly or protect leads in high-pressure moments.
After a less impactful 2024 in Houston and a recent stint as Senior Passing Game Coordinator with the Dolphins, Slowik is once again drawing interest-this time from the Philadelphia Eagles, who’ve already requested to interview him for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
So where does that leave Green Bay?
Adam Stenavich is still holding the offensive coordinator title, but after three seasons of up-and-down results, it’s fair to question whether a shake-up is needed. LaFleur has always had a hand in the offensive play-calling, but even great minds benefit from a strong supporting cast. And if there’s ever been a time to bring in a fresh perspective-or reconnect with a familiar one-it might be now.
Slowik checks a lot of boxes: he knows the system, he’s from Green Bay, and he’s shown he can elevate a young quarterback. If the Packers are serious about getting back to being an elite offense, this could be the kind of reunion that sparks something special.
The defensive coordinator search will grab the headlines. But don’t be surprised if the bigger move for Green Bay’s future lies on the offensive side of the ball.