The Green Bay Packers are officially in the market for a new defensive coordinator after Jeff Hafley accepted the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. Hafley’s departure leaves a significant void-he helped shape one of the league’s top defenses under Matt LaFleur and was widely respected for his leadership and communication. Now, LaFleur faces a pivotal decision that could shape not just the defense, but the trajectory of his tenure in Green Bay.
The good news? The candidate pool this offseason is deep, and the Packers are in a strong position to attract top-tier talent.
Despite stiff competition-thanks to a busy coaching carousel that’s seen 10 head coaching vacancies-Green Bay remains an appealing destination for defensive minds. Why?
Because this isn’t just any job.
The Packers offer full control of the defense. LaFleur runs the offense, but the defense?
That’s all yours. And you’re not walking into a rebuild-you’re stepping into a unit with serious firepower.
Micah Parsons, Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Edgerrin Cooper-those are cornerstone pieces. Add in promising young talents like Javon Bullard and Lukas Van Ness, and you’ve got the foundation of a dynamic, fast, and physical defense.
The offense is humming, the front office is stable, and both the head coach and GM are under contract for the foreseeable future.
There are some challenges-namely a cornerback room that needs attention and the likelihood that a new coordinator won’t have full autonomy over his staff. But overall, this is one of the most attractive DC jobs on the market.
Let’s dive into some of the top candidates and the competition Green Bay may face in trying to land them.
Brian Flores (Off the Board)
Flores was widely viewed as the top available defensive coordinator-an elite playcaller with a reputation for building aggressive, disciplined defenses.
But any hopes of bringing him to Green Bay were dashed when he re-upped with the Minnesota Vikings. Unless a head coaching offer comes his way, he’s staying put.
Christian Parker (Also Off the Board)
A former Packers assistant and most recently the Eagles’ defensive backs coach, Parker was a fan favorite for the role. But the Dallas Cowboys swooped in and hired him, tightening the pool of available talent even more.
That leaves Green Bay looking at a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with several names generating buzz.
Raheem Morris
Morris is in a holding pattern, waiting to see if a head coaching offer materializes.
If it doesn’t, he’s expected to consider stepping away from coaching altogether and heading into television. He’s close with LaFleur and is well-connected across the Shanahan coaching tree, which could complicate things.
Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay may both be in the market for a new DC, and Morris has ties to both. But if he’s available and interested, he’d be a home-run hire.
Sean McDermott
McDermott’s firing after the Bills’ playoff loss to Denver caught many off guard.
He’s expected to be in the mix for head coaching jobs, but if that doesn’t pan out, he’ll be one of the most sought-after defensive coordinators on the market. His track record speaks for itself-physical defenses, strong fundamentals, and playoff experience.
Jonathan Gannon
Gannon’s tenure in Arizona didn’t exactly set the world on fire, but his defensive acumen is still respected around the league.
LaFleur has spoken highly of his schemes, and players consistently back his approach. Hiring Gannon wouldn’t be a flashy move-it’s more of a solid double in the gap than a walk-off homer-but it could set the stage for a bigger payoff if the pieces fall into place.
Jim Leonhard
Leonhard is a familiar name in Wisconsin football circles.
The former Badgers defensive coordinator and current Broncos cornerbacks coach was a finalist for the Packers’ DC job before Joe Barry was hired. He’s since made a strong impression in Denver, and with the Broncos still in the playoffs, teams will need to wait to talk to him.
If Denver’s current DC, Vance Joseph, lands a head coaching gig, Leonhard could stay and take over there. But if Green Bay can lure him back, it would be a popular and potentially savvy hire.
Daronte Jones
Jones is considered the frontrunner to replace Flores in Minnesota-if Flores gets a head coaching job.
But Jones has also drawn interest from several teams, including the Cowboys, Jets, Giants, and Packers. He’s a hot name, and the timing of Flores’ decision could impact where Jones ultimately lands.
Aden Durde & Karl Scott
Both coaches come from the Seahawks’ staff and are part of the Mike Macdonald defensive system that’s gaining traction across the league.
Durde is technically Seattle’s defensive coordinator, but he doesn’t call plays-meaning Green Bay could offer him a promotion in that regard. He’s also interviewed for head coaching positions, so his next move could be a big one.
If Durde stays put or takes a bigger job elsewhere, Karl Scott could be a strong alternative. He’s respected, rising quickly, and would bring that same Macdonald-style approach.
Demarcus Covington
Covington, Green Bay’s defensive line coach, is the most likely internal candidate.
He’s a former DC with growing league-wide interest and could be in line to join Hafley in Miami. Promoting from within might not excite the fanbase, but Covington knows the personnel and system, and he’s earned respect inside the building.
Al Harris
A fan favorite from his playing days in Green Bay, Harris has made a name for himself as a coach, leading turnover-hungry secondaries in both Dallas and Chicago.
He’s interviewed with the Packers, but the Washington Commanders and his former DC in Dallas are also interested. Harris brings energy, experience, and a knack for getting the most out of his DBs.
The Packers have options-plenty of them. But they’re not the only team shopping for a defensive coordinator.
The competition is real, and the clock is ticking. Whoever lands in Green Bay will inherit a talented, ascending unit with the potential to be one of the league’s elite defenses.
Now it’s up to LaFleur and the front office to find the right fit to lead them.