Best memes as Packers fans react to shocking defensive coordinator hire
Wow. That came out of nowhere. The Green Bay Packers didn't hire one of the known defensive coordinator candidates.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Packers are hiring Boston College coach Jeff Hafley to become their new defensive coordinator.
It's a surprising move, but Matt LaFleur got his guy. Hafley is now tasked with helping the Packers' defense reach its potential. We could see a new philosophy, as Hafley is a more aggressive coach than Joe Barry, who he replaces in Green Bay.
The Packers were linked to names like Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker and Baltimore Ravens assistant coaches Dennard Wilson and Zach Orr. Nobody saw this coming.
Despite that, fans have reacted positively to the news.
Packers fans react to Jeff Hafley becoming new defensive coordinator
When you heard the news, you could be forgiven for thinking: "Who's that?" And just know that you're not alone.
“Jeff Hafley” pic.twitter.com/N4BsRFzMvJ
— Gute 🧀 (@Packers_szn3) January 31, 2024
However, after diving a little deeper into the Packers' decision, fans are impressed with what they have discovered. Hafley should bring a more aggressive scheme to Green Bay than what we have become used to seeing from Joe Barry and Mike Pettine.
Packers defensive backs dropping a mile into coverage on third-and-short could be a thing of the past. LaFleur is adopting a different philosophy, and Hafley is the coach who will bring that change.
“Love press man. Got to be able to play press man. Have to be able to." Jeff Hafley. Ok, I'm in.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) January 31, 2024
BREAKING NEWS 🚨🚨
— Cole 🧀 (@RodgersXLVChamp) January 31, 2024
With Jeff Hafley hired as the Packers new Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay’s starting Cornerback Preston Smith has been moved to Outside Linebacker. A fresh start for the 10 year vet. pic.twitter.com/J0xJjqssD8
Matt LaFleur using the RKO approach to hiring coordinators. Out of freaking nowhere.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) January 31, 2024
Jeff Hafley was co-DC at Ohio State for one season...
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) January 31, 2024
Here's how they did:
Scoring - 4th (13.7 ppg)
Total defense - 1st (260 ypg)
Pass defense - 1st (156 ypg)
Rush defense - 8th (104 ypg) pic.twitter.com/ZRW4Wj8dEi
Maybe LaFleur just wanted a defensive version of himself. As Daire Carragher points out, there are some scary similarities between the two.
Lmfao the voice, the cadence everything is the same.
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) January 31, 2024
The Jeff Hafley - Matt LaFleur interview must have felt like talking into a mirror. pic.twitter.com/ZzWXY0ObyD
It's a bold decision and one LaFleur will be judged on. He passed up the possibility of bringing in one of the popular defensive coordinator candidates around the NFL, instead opting for a college coach.
Hafley has NFL experience as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns.
But this is a big step up. The hope is he can help Green Bay's defense finally reach its potential.
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