The Future of the Green Bay Packers’ Defense

As the 2025 season comes to a close, it’s clear that Jeff Hafley’s time with the Green Bay Packers may be coming to an end. Reports suggest that Hafley is a top candidate for the head coaching position with the Miami Dolphins, and he has already secured interviews for several other openings, including the one in Tennessee. With Hafley expected to move on soon, the Packers will need to find a new defensive coordinator before the 2026 season begins.

Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ head coach, has long anticipated this possibility, and the team is likely preparing for a smooth transition. The defensive coordinator role is highly coveted, especially given the presence of star linebacker Micah Parsons and the Packers’ expectations of being a contender in 2026. Here are some potential candidates who could step into this critical role:

Potential Candidates for Defensive Coordinator

• DeMarcus Covington – As the Packers’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator, Covington brings valuable experience from his time under Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo in New England. He called plays as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator in 2024, and teams like the Cowboys and Jets have shown interest in his services.

• Derrick Ansley – The pass game coordinator has been with the Packers since Hafley’s first season. A seasoned defensive backs coach, Ansley helped produce All-Pro seasons from Xavier McKinney and developed recent draft picks like Evan Williams and Javon Bullard.

• Raheem Morris – A close friend of LaFleur, Morris has extensive coaching experience on both sides of the ball. He previously served as a head coach in Tampa Bay and Atlanta and worked as the defensive coordinator under Sean McVay in Los Angeles.

• Brian Flores – The Vikings’ defensive coordinator is currently in the running for several head coaching jobs. His aggressive, disruptive scheme would fit well in Green Bay. If the Packers could secure him, it would be a major win.

• Jonathan Gannon – After leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance, Gannon took over the Cardinals but struggled with the team’s performance. However, his experience as a defensive coordinator makes him a viable option.

• Dennard Wilson – A long-time defensive backs coach, Wilson was interviewed by the Packers in 2024. He has coached elite secondary units in New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore and could be available if the Titans search for a new head coach.

• Zach Orr – The Ravens’ defensive coordinator has been interviewed by the Packers in previous cycles. He was elevated after Mike MacDonald left for Seattle and could be available as the Ravens look to transition leadership.

• Jim Leonhard – A former Badger who turned down the Packers in 2021, Leonhard coordinated the Wisconsin defense for six successful seasons. He has since worked under Sean Payton and Vance Joseph in Denver.

• Christian Parker – A rising star in the coaching world, Parker spent two seasons as a quality control assistant under Mike Pettine in Green Bay. He has also coached Broncos defensive backs and is now the pass game coordinator in Philadelphia.

• Al Harris – A former Packers cornerback and 15-year NFL veteran, Harris has been working with the Bears as their defensive backs coach. His experience and knowledge of the game make him a strong candidate.

Other Notable Names

• Nick Rallis – A young and ascending coach, Rallis has spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator under Jonathan Gannon. Despite Arizona’s struggles, he remains a promising option.

• Aubrey Pleasant – A former Badger who joined LaFleur’s staff as an offensive consultant in 2022, Pleasant has worked under Sean McVay in Los Angeles and could be interested in a new challenge.

• Jonathan Cooley – A product of the Raheem Morris and Brandon Staley coaching tree, Cooley helped develop the Panthers’ defensive backs. His connection to Ejiro Evero and LaFleur’s preferred schemes makes him a good fit.

• Jeff Ulbrich – A long-time defensive coach, Ulbrich has worked with LaFleur in Atlanta and has experience as a defensive coordinator in New York and Atlanta. He also had a brief stint as the Jets’ interim coach.

• Glenn Schumann – The 35-year-old defensive coordinator at Georgia has risen quickly through the ranks, working under Nick Saban and Kirby Smart. He has interviewed for NFL jobs in the past and is familiar with the Packers’ scouting network.

• Giff Smith – A longtime defensive line coach, Smith has been with the Rams for the past two seasons, helping develop several young stars under Sean McVay.

• Gus Bradley – A former defensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams, Bradley has been working under Robert Saleh in San Francisco. His experience and track record make him a solid candidate.

• Patrick Graham – A former Packers assistant, Graham has coordinated defenses in Miami, New York, and Las Vegas. His familiarity with the Packers’ system could be an advantage.

• Joe Whitt Jr. – A former Packers defensive assistant, Whitt has coordinated defenses in Cleveland, Atlanta, and Dallas before taking over Dan Quinn’s defense in Washington. His experience with Quinn’s system is notable.

• Wink Martindale – A veteran coordinator known for his aggressive defenses, Martindale has worked in Denver, Baltimore, and New York. LaFleur has praised his work in the past.

With so many talented coaches in the mix, the Packers have a wide range of options as they prepare for the next chapter of their defense. Whether they choose someone from within the organization or bring in a new face, the goal will remain the same: to build a defense that can compete at the highest level.