Packers Dodge a Bullet on their Coaching Staff

The NFL hiring cycle is in full swing.

Yes, the Super Bowl is yet to be decided with Conference Championship weekend upon us. 

For the other 28 teams, it's about looking to the future.

The Green Bay Packers did not fire their coach this offseason.

Matt LaFleur will return for his seventh year as the head man in Green Bay.

That did not mean all was quiet on the Packers coaching staff.

Tom Clements is retiring, and the Packers are looking to replace him. 

Jason Rebrovich, the team's defensive line coach was let go late last week.

The most important eyes, however, were on both coordinator positions. 

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich was interviewing for the Chicago Bears Head Coach position. 

Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley was also interviewing for the New York Jets job. 

Hafley was a revelation in Green Bay this year.

Despite a pass rush that ran hot and cold for most of the year, and a secondary that was held together by bubble gum and shoestrings, Hafley's defense improved in nearly every statistical category from the 2023 season.

Hafley appears to be a smart teacher that is charismatic. He was likely a great interview when he sat down with the Jets to talk about their top job.

Hafley has been a head coach before, just not in the NFL, coming to Green Bay from Boston College.

Coaching in the NFL is different than in college for a variety of reasons now, which likely motivated Hafley to make the jump to the pros even if it was a step backward in title. 

Losing Stenavich would have hurt as he's one of Green Bay's most senior lieutenants on the offensive side of the ball, and also been instrumental in helping develop Green Bay's offensive line. 

Losing Hafley would have put Green Bay on its third defensive coordinator in three years.

It also would have left you wondering what could have been. 

What could Hafley do with some pieces to help make his scheme hum?

As it appears, neither is going to be taking a job elsewhere in 2025.

The Chicago Bears hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their head man.

Perhaps Stenavich could look around for another job that gives him a chance to call plays, but he has yet to be linked to any job like that.

The New York Jets appear to be inching toward hiring Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

The Jets job is the only one Hafley has interviewed for, which takes that scare out of the equation.

Another impressive year from Green Bay's defense should earn Hafley a few more interviews in the next coaching cycle. 

For now, however, it looks like the Packers will be able to keep their band together as they continue to chase after a 14th NFL championship.