Packers Select Boston College’s Jeff Hafley as Defensive Coordinator

Jeff Hafley spent seven seasons coaching defensive backs in the NFL, most recently with the San Francisco 49ers from 2016 through 2018.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur has a defensive coordinator, selecting Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley on Wednesday to help build a Super Bowl-worthy defense. A source confirmed the news, which was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

On Wednesday night, the Packers made it official.

“We are excited to welcome Jeff, his wife, Gina, and their daughters, Hope and Leah, to the Packers and the Green Bay community,” LaFleur said. “Jeff has had success at every stop of his coaching career with an impressive track record of developing players at every level. We look forward to him leading our defense.”

In a statement, Hafley said:

"I loved my four years at Boston College. This is an exceptional place to coach given the caliber of student-athletes we recruit, the facilities, and the support from the University and BC fans. I will miss the players who gave so much of themselves these past four years, and my wife Gina and I will certainly miss the BC community and the many friends we have made here."

Hafley was Boston College’s coach the last four seasons. He compiled a 22-26 record in four seasons, including 7-6 in 2023. That’s when he led BC to its first bowl appearance since 2018, a 23-17 victory over SMU in this year’s Fenway Bowl.

The 44-year-old Hafley spent seven seasons coaching defensive backs in the NFL, most recently the San Francisco 49ers from 2016 through 2018. He has no direct coaching ties to LaFleur.

LaFleur interviewed at least six proven NFL coaches, ranging from former Packers assistant Christian Parker to former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, in his quest to replace Joe Barry. Instead, he threw everyone a curveball by selecting Hafley.

Initial thoughts on the hire were split.

“He’s a really good defensive coach. Don’t let his track record at BC fool you,” one scout said via text message. Another, however, said, “Man, not a good choice.”

Said a third: “Aggressive. Will be a different mentality. Players should like it.”

Any doubters will join a list he keeps in his wallet.

“Just look at me,” Hafley said when hired by Boston College. “I’m not the biggest guy, I don’t look like I played big-time college football and that’s the truth. I’ve had to work really hard. I’ve had a chip on my shoulder. I’ve had to kick down doors. It’s been hard, but it’s been real and it’s been worth it.”

Hafley was considered one of the top defensive minds in the college game. His task will be to improve a defense that finished 10th in the NFL in points allowed in 2023 but continually misfired in key moments under Barry.

In Barry’s final game, the Packers lost in the divisional round to the 49ers when they allowed the game-deciding touchdown in the final moments. Barry got conservative – a common theme of his three-year tenure – and Brock Purdy marched the 49ers to the winning score.

In his debut season in 2020, Hafley helped improve Boston College’s defense improve 52 spots in total defense. During his one season at Ohio State in 2019 as co-defensive coordinator, the Buckeyes moved from 72nd to first nationally in yards allowed per play. He was named 247 Sports’ Coordinator of the Year for his efforts.

Hafley played receiver at Siena. Time spent on the sideline due to injuries opened his mind to a future in coaching.

“I had to have a bunch of surgeries, so while I was recovering, I'd go in and watch tape with the coaches,” Hafley told NorthJersey.com. “Then they'd even let me sit up in the booth, and I'd help them coach until I got better.

“At that point, I kind of figured, ‘You know what? Maybe I want to coach in college.’”

His first coaching job was as running backs coach at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute in 2001.

He served as secondary/safeties coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and 2013, defensive backs coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and 2015, and defensive backs coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2016 through 2018. With Cleveland, the head coach was Mike Pettine. In 2014, the Browns led the NFL in opponent passer rating and completion percentage.

With San Francisco, the head coach for his final two seasons was Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers in 2015 were 25th in opponent passer rating. With Hafley, they ranked 26th in opponent passer rating 2016, 23rd in 2017 and 31st in 2018. However, in terms of total pass defense, they were 27th before his arrival in 2015, 14th in 2016, 22nd in 2017 and 11th in 2018.

At Boston College, the Eagles’ base defense was 4-3. The Browns were 3-4 and the 49ers were 4-3.

All of Green Bay’s defensive assistants remain under contract. Whether LaFleur and Hafley will make additional changes is unknown, though that Hafley is coming from the collegiate ranks might mean the defensive staff could return intact – or close to it.

According to ESPN, Hafley had turned down NFL opportunities in the past but had grown weary of the world of NIL and its impact on recruiting.

“He wants to go coach football again in a league that is all about football,” Thamel wrote, quoting a source. “College coaching has become fundraising, NIL and recruiting your own team and transfers. There's no time to coach football anymore.

“A lot of things that he went back to college for have disappeared.”

New Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley :: Photo by Charles LeClaire/USA Today Sports Images

Jeff Hafley’s Coaching Resume

2020-present: Boston College (Head Coach)
2019: Ohio State (Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary)
2016-18: San Francisco 49ers (Defensive Backs)
2014-15: Cleveland Browns (Defensive Backs)
2012-13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Secondary/Safeties)
2011: Rutgers (Defensive Backs)
2008-10: Pitt (Defensive Backs)
2006-07: Pitt (Defensive Assistant)
2004-05: Albany (Defensive Backs)
2002-03: Albany (Defensive Assistant)
2001: Worcester Polytech (Running Backs)