Matt LaFleur has a shiny new contract, but he must immediately get to work. His first task is to find a new defensive coordinator after Jeff Hafley landed the Miami Dolphins' head coach gig.
And LaFleur isn't wasting any time. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Packers will interview Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator Christian Parker. Schultz describes Parker as a "rising star in the coaching ranks," and it's easy to see why.
LaFleur may also have the inside track to bringing him to Green Bay.
Christian Parker would be a home-run hire for Packers, and Matt LaFleur may have an advantage
Schultz notes that Parker will interview for the Dallas Cowboys' vacant defensive coordinator role on Wednesday before heading to Green Bay. But LaFleur has plenty to offer.
First, they have worked together in Green Bay. LaFleur handed Parker his first NFL coaching job in 2019, making him his defensive quality control coach. He spent two years on LaFleur's staff before the Denver Broncos hired him as their defensive backs coach in 2021.
RELATED: T.J. Lang urges Matt LaFleur to make one genius coaching change
Following another three successful seasons, Parker interviewed for the Packers' defensive coordinator job. LaFleur chose Hafley, but Parker still landed a promotion by heading to Philadelphia to become their passing game coordinator.
In that role, Parker has helped the Eagles' pass defense rank No. 1 in the NFL in 2024. They also had the No. 1 defense in total yards allowed.
Another advantage the Packers have over the Cowboys, ironically, is Micah Parsons.
Green Bay's defense currently offers more upside than Dallas', with Parsons, Xavier McKinney, Edgerrin Cooper, Devonte Wyatt, and Evan Williams the standout players. The Packers need to address the cornerback room and add another pass-rusher, but the building blocks are there.
The Packers could go in several directions in their search for a new defensive coordinator. Raheem Morris has also worked with LaFleur and would offer more experience in the role. He's a name to watch. So, too, is Brian Flores, who is a free agent. Flores is interviewing for head coach jobs, but he would be a dream hire.
Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde would also make sense. While it's a lateral move, the Packers could offer Durde the opportunity to call plays, which is a step up.
Parker, though, would be a fantastic hire. The 34-year-old has risen through the coaching ranks at a rapid rate. He was in the mix for the Packers' defensive coordinator job two years ago, and reuniting with LaFleur would make all the sense in the world.