7 Packers defensive coordinator candidates ranked from worst to best (Updated)

4. Christian Parker

Christian Parker is a future defensive coordinator. The question is if the opportunity will arrive in Green Bay this offseason. The 32-year-old has caught attention around the league for his work as the Denver Broncos' defensive backs coach, earning multiple defensive coordinator interviews, including in Green Bay.

Parker has previously worked under Matt LaFleur—he was the Packers' defensive quality control coach for two seasons before moving to Denver in 2021.

It would be a quick rise to go from his first NFL coaching job in 2019 to defensive coordinator five years later, so there is some risk, but the Packers may need to hire him before it's too late. Over the past three years, three different defensive coaches kept Parker on their staff: Vic Fangio, Ejiro Evero, and Vance Joseph. They all wanted to retain Parker, which shows how highly regarded he is.

Joseph, the Broncos' defensive coordinator, has this to say about Parker: "He's smart, he works his butt off, and his players love playing for him. He's a star."

Parker has helped get the best out of the Broncos' defensive backs, including cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian and safety PJ Locke. He is an ascending defensive coach, and it won't be surprising if the Packers give him an opportunity to lead their defense.