Talk about an overcorrection. Matt LaFleur's decision to hire Joe Barry as his defensive coordinator capped the Green Bay Packers' potential. It derailed playoff hopes and set the team back for years.
Then he hired Jeff Hafley, who might be too talented. We must enjoy him while we can, because LaFleur delivered a defensive coordinator who belongs in the head coach chair. And soon, it feels inevitable, Hafley will land the job he deserves.
Alarm bells started ringing for Packers fans in the last coaching cycle when Hafley interviewed for the New York Jets' vacancy. It's fair to assume he will have multiple teams banging down his door at the end of this season, and that includes the other team that calls MetLife Stadium its home.
Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is a 'heavy favorite' for Giants head coach job
Oh, it hurts. Hafley is supposed to be ours forever. But we need to enjoy him while we can, because the New York Giants could zero in on the Packers' talented DC at the first opportunity.
According to Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated, Hafley is a "heavy favorite" for the Giants' gig.
Heartbeak aside, it makes sense for so many reasons. If the Giants are willing to pass on offensive minds to pair with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, Hafley is a no-brainer. He is a phenomenal leader, brings energy to the locker room, and is loved by the players. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that he's a defensive genius.
So, why New York? For starters, Hafley is a New Jersey native. He grew up around 30 minutes from MetLife Stadium and brought members of his family to the Packers-Giants game last month.
"I have a lot of memories of Giants Stadium growing up as a kid. It will be a cool experience to coach there," Hafley said before the Packers' trip to MetLife.
Now, he may get a chance to call it his permanent home. And beyond just getting to return to where he grew up, the job opportunity has plenty to offer Hafley.
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New York has potentially found its long-term starter at quarterback. Dart has shown potential, and paired with a quality offensive coordinator, he could help lead the Giants up the NFC East standings next season.
Hafley is a tremendous leader, and he could immediately get a tune out of a Giants pass rush with elite potential. Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux? Yeah, look out. Hafley would turn that defensive line into an unplayable unit.
Packers fans will take to Reddit and X and jokingly criticize Hafley, hoping to convince the Giants to rethink. But that ship may have sailed. Hafley is as good as gone, either to New York or another team.
And the Giants would be foolish not to bring him in. We'd better hope LaFleur doesn't have Joe Barry's number anymore.