It was always going to happen. After years of searching for the right defensive coordinator, the Green Bay Packers finally struck gold with Jeff Hafley.
Unfortunately, he might have been too good, as he has emerged as a potential head coach candidate during the current hiring cycle.
Hafley has head coach experience from his time at Boston College, and his impressive leadership abilities are evident whenever he speaks to the media. He has an unmatchable passion for the job and has made an instant impact in Green Bay.
Despite losing Jaire Alexander for most of the year and several other key starters throughout the season, Hafley found a way to make it work. His defense ranked sixth in total yards allowed, 13th against the pass, and seventh against the run. The Packers allowed just 19.9 points per game, the sixth-best record in the NFL.
His work on the run defense was particularly impressive. They went from allowing 128.3 rushing yards per game under Joe Barry last season to just 99.4 this term, an improvement from No. 28 to No. 7 in the rankings.
It was only a matter of time before the head coach calls came, and you can probably guess which team is interested.
Jets to interview Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for head coach job
There's a reason why they are known as the New York Packers.
Since trading for Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have seemingly wanted to bring in anyone even remotely associated with the Packers. Nathaniel Hackett, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Adrian Amos, Billy Turner, Tim Boyle, and Davante Adams were among the several former Packers to follow Rodgers to New York.
The Jets have already interviewed Brian Gutekunst's right-hand man, Jon-Eric Sullivan, for their vacant general manager job.
Now, they are interested in hiring Hafley. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Jets have requested an interview with the Packers' defensive coordinator.
It's understandable. Hafley has made an impressive return to the NFL, which was on full display in the NFC Wild Card Round. Despite Green Bay's disappointing offensive performance, Hafley's unit kept the team in the game, restricting Philadelphia to 290 yards. Jalen Hurts completed only 13 passes for 131 yards, while the Eagles went an awful 2-of-11 on third down.
Hafley is a leader. He might not be the favorite for the job, but it wouldn't be surprising if he wows them with his interview. His knowledge and passion for the game come through every time he speaks, and he will have a vision for how to turn the Jets' fortunes around.
The Jets have cast a wide net to find their next head coach. Hafley might not be the current frontrunner, but his name is deservedly in the mix.