Jeff Hafley, the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, is currently a highly sought-after figure in the National Football League, undergoing an intensive interview process with numerous teams vying for his coaching expertise. His journey highlights a significant period of evaluation and recruitment within the league, underscoring the dynamic nature of coaching careers in professional football. This whirlwind tour points to a future potentially filled with new challenges and opportunities for Hafley, as franchises assess his leadership and strategic capabilities.
Hafley's rigorous schedule began with a notable meeting with the Atlanta Falcons. This was followed by a planned interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking another key step in his career exploration. Before these engagements, he had already conducted discussions with a wide array of teams across the league, including the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans. Each of these interactions represents a potential shift in his professional trajectory, as teams seek to bolster their coaching staffs with experienced and innovative minds.
At 46 years old, Hafley brings a wealth of experience to these prospective roles. His most recent tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers spans two seasons, during which he has shaped a competitive defensive unit. Prior to his time in Green Bay, he served as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Ohio State in 2019, a position that preceded his head coaching role at Boston College from 2020 to 2023. His foundational coaching experience also includes defensive backs coaching positions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-2013), Cleveland Browns (2014-2015), and San Francisco 49ers (2016-2018), showcasing a comprehensive background in various NFL and collegiate environments.
The competitive landscape for coaching positions is further illustrated by the Falcons' extensive interview process. Hafley was the seventh candidate to formally meet with the team, joining a distinguished list that included former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, ex-Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. Although Harbaugh was reportedly in talks with the New York Giants, the Falcons continued their search, also interviewing Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak alongside their defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
The Atlanta Falcons, despite finishing their 2025 season with an 8-9 record and a three-way tie for the NFC South lead, opted for significant leadership changes. Owner Arthur Blank made the decision to part ways with head coach Raheem Morris after two seasons and General Manager Terry Fontenot after five, even after the team concluded its season with four consecutive victories, albeit after being eliminated from playoff contention. In a related development, former Falcons MVP quarterback Matt Ryan was appointed as the team's new president of football operations, bringing another familiar face with a Boston College connection to the franchise, similar to Hafley.
The ongoing movement in NFL coaching circles underscores a period of strategic realignment as teams look to optimize their leadership structures. Jeff Hafley's active participation in these interviews demonstrates his readiness for new challenges and his perceived value in the league. His comprehensive background and recent performance have made him a prime candidate for several high-profile coaching roles, signaling a potential new chapter in his distinguished career.