Packers Add Former Jeff Hafley Assistant Sean Duggan to Coaching Staff

The Packers have reportedly added Jeff Hafley's co-defensive coordinator to their defensive coaching staff. He has experience as a linebacker coach, and could be tasked with getting Quay Walker to the next level.

The Green Bay Packers reportedly have a new assistant on their defensive staff.

According to Aaron Wilson of Houston TV station KPRC, they're adding Boston College's co-defensive coordinator, Sean Duggan, as a defensive assistant.

#Packers hire former Boston College co-defensive coordinator Sean Duggan as defensive assistant per a league source. Duggan has extensive background with linebacker position @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 26, 2024

Duggan's official position with the team is unknown at this point. While he does have an extensive background in coaching linebackers, coach Matt LaFleur hired Anthony Campanile to fill that role.

According to Boston College's team web site, four linebackers have earned all-ACC honors under Duggan since he went to Boston College in 2020. 

Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie was one of those players. He has experience playing under Hafley and crossed paths with Duggan when they were at Boston College. 

Duggan also has experience with Hafley at Ohio State. Hafley has spoken highly of him in the past. 

“After working with Sean at Ohio State, he was a guy who jumped out that if I ever landed a head job, I have to hire this guy,” said Hafley when he hired Duggan in 2020 via BC Bulletin. 

“He is smart, reliable, sees things on gameday and really understands the big picture. He is well advanced beyond his years and has a chance to be a superstar in our profession." 

Another person that has a chance to be a superstar in his profession is Quay Walker.

Walker was highly thought of coming out of college, and the Packers made him the biggest investment in an off-ball linebacker since they took AJ Hawk fifth overall in 2006. 

Walker has had flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency from down to down. 

After an All-Rookie campaign of 121 tackles in 17 games in 2022, Walker had 118 tackles in 14 games in 2023. The highlight of his season was a pick-six at Chicago in the opener, but he went from seven passes defensed to three and three forced fumbles to zero.

The issues came in consistency. Walker surrendered a passer rating against him of 101.0 and was penalized five times.

One of the key questions in hiring a new defensive coordinator should have been what their plan was to get the most out of the talented linebacker. 

While it has not been explicitly stated , between the hiring of Duggan and the highly regarded Campanile, the Packers clearly are emphasizing better play from their linebacker corps. 

That starts with Walker. 

Hafley was asked about what position Walker was going to play as they transition to this new scheme.

“Quay’s a talented player,” said Hafley at his initial media availability.  “As we build this thing, we’re going to make sure he’s in position to make a lot of plays. So, whatever we feel, as we piece this together, where that is, that’s where we’ll put him.”

Adding Duggan will just be another voice as the Packers try and piece their things together. 

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