The Green Bay Packers are back in the market for a defensive coordinator-and this time, the stakes feel a little higher.
After Jeff Hafley’s surprise move to become the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, head coach Matt LaFleur is wasting no time. He’s already eyeing top-tier replacements, and one name that’s surfaced early is Daronte Jones, the Minnesota Vikings’ pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
According to reports, the Packers have officially requested permission to interview Jones. And it’s no surprise-he’s been one of the hottest names in coaching circles this offseason.
He’s already met with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, and his phone probably hasn’t stopped ringing. When you’re on the radar of multiple playoff-caliber teams, it’s a sign your stock is rising fast.
Jones has been with the Vikings since 2022 and took on his current role in 2023. He’s helped shape a secondary that’s shown flashes of high-level play, and with Brian Flores drawing serious head coaching interest, there’s even a chance Jones could be promoted internally. But if he’s ready to take the reins of an entire defense, Green Bay might be the right opportunity at the right time.
This hiring cycle is a big one for LaFleur. He’s now searching for his fourth defensive coordinator since taking over as head coach. That kind of turnover can be tough, but it also underscores how critical this next hire is-especially for a team that still sees itself firmly in the Super Bowl conversation.
Hafley, who joined the Packers in 2024 after a four-year run as Boston College’s head coach, leaves behind a defense that ranked in the league’s top 10 during his two seasons. He made a strong impression in a short time, and his jump to the Dolphins’ top job is a reflection of both his NFL readiness and the growing trend of college coaches making the leap amid the ever-changing landscape of NIL and the transfer portal.
His connection to Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, a former Packers executive, certainly didn’t hurt either. But make no mistake-Hafley earned this opportunity. He took a Green Bay defense that needed direction and turned it into a unit that could win games.
Now, the challenge for LaFleur is to find someone who can not only maintain that level of play but elevate it. With stars like Micah Parsons and Xavier McKinney anchoring the defense, the pieces are in place. The right coordinator could unlock another level.
Across the league, the coaching carousel is spinning fast. The Giants just brought in John Harbaugh, and the Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski.
Green Bay, meanwhile, is moving with purpose. LaFleur’s recent contract extension signals stability at the top, and with the Packers still chasing a championship window, this DC hire could be one of the most impactful decisions of the offseason.
Whether it’s Daronte Jones or another rising star, the Packers know what’s at stake. In today’s NFL, defense still wins championships-and Green Bay wants to make sure theirs is ready for that stage.