Despite all of the Green Bay Packers' defensive success in their first year led by Jeff Hafley, the underwhelming pass-rush production remained a concerning theme.
It led Matt LaFleur to dismiss defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich, who was part of Joe Barry's defensive staff in Green Bay.
The Packers' defensive front features too much talent for this season's lack of production. Three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark made just one sack and four quarterback hits, his lowest totals in each category since his rookie season in 2016.
Rashan Gary posted a respectable 7.5 sacks, but his numbers fell well short of expectations in a new scheme expected to suit the Packers' pass-rush talent.
Lukas Van Ness has yet to live up to his first-round status, while Preston Smith cited challenges with the new system for his decision to request a trade.
The Packers have already identified a potential replacement for Rebrovich, and it would be a home-run hire.
Aaron Whitecotton could help Rashan Gary and Packers pass rush bounce back in 2025
Following the news of Rebrovich's departure, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Packers plan to interview New York Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton.
It's far from guaranteed that Whitecotton will get the job. He was part of Robert Saleh's staff in New York, so he could follow him to his new job, especially if Saleh lands a head coach gig. But the Packers should do everything they can to bring Whtiecotton to Green Bay.
He has a tremendous track record of getting the best out of his pass-rushers. Packers Wire's Zach Kruse highlighted some notable stats.
Jets pass-rushers under Aaron Whitecotton
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) January 17, 2025
Quinnen Williams -- All-Pro in 2022, Pro Bowl 2023
John Franklin-Myers -- 50+ pressures in 2021/22/23
Jermaine Johnson -- Pro Bowl 2023
Bryce Huff -- Over 100 pressures between 22-23
Will McDonald IV -- 61 pressures, 2024
Whitecotton is a highly experienced coach and gets production from his pass-rushers. The Packers have talent.
Gary hasn't become the All-Pro the Packers hoped he would, but there's no doubt he has the talent to get there. Whitecotton can help Clark get back to his Pro Bowl best while also helping Brenton Cox Jr. build on his promising season.
LaFleur may not have said it directly, but he made it clear that change was needed along the defensive line.
"I envisioned rushing four and playing three deep, four under a heck of a lot more. We ended up doing a lot of simulated blitzes and different pressures and playing a bunch of Cover 2. You always evolve throughout the course of the season," LaFleur said in his end-of-season press conference.
The Packers believed they had the talent to win with four rushers, and when it didn't happen consistently, Hafley had to find other ways to generate pressure.
LaFleur's decision to fire Rebrovich provides more proof of their disappointment in the defensive line.
The Packers need to add talent up front, and they should have plenty of opportunities in free agency and the draft. They also need to hire the right defensive line coach.
Getting a deal done with Whitecotton would be the perfect start to the offseason.