My cousin is a die hard Green Bay Packers fan and immediately texted me when they announced former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley would take over as the new defensive coordinator. He asked me what my thoughts were and I must say that his track record and new technical approach in the defensive secondary excites me and should excite the fans.

Hafley has been around the block coaching in both the collegiate rankings and the NFL. From 2020 to 2023, he was the head football coach at Boston College where he posted a 22-26 record, winning a Bowl game just this past season.

One thing that Hafley will bring to the Packers defense that should instantly help them improve upon is his willingness to play press coverage. Last season, the Packers allowed easy completions all over the field due to their soft zones and cornerbacks playing off coverage. With Hafley coming to town, this will all change, and rather quickly.

Considering he is someone who has been a coach at both of the major levels, he has seen and coached his fair share of athletes over the years. Hafley has coached the following athletes during his career.

• Darrelle Revis (College)
• Ronde Barber (NFL)
• Richard Sherman (NFL)
• Jeff Okudah (College)

Having coached three soon-to-be Hall of Fame defensive backs, and one really solid collegiate cornerback at the time in Okudah, fans should be excited about cornerback Jaire Alexander and his development this season. He may just be the perfect athlete to benefit from Hafley’s defensive press coverage approach.

If you’re interested in learning more about why Hafley utilizes press coverage for his defensive backs, there is a fantastic thread on social media X by Chris Haddad.

Coach Jeff Hafley (BC) Press Coverage DB Thread

Why press coverage – eliminates route tree, forces WRs to declare now

Inside release – slant, dig, post (wide split)

Outside release – go,comeback (wide split) pic.twitter.com/N1Z1SF2KBl

— Chris Haddad (@chrisvIQtory) February 11, 2023

Here are a few snippets of what was mentioned in the thread on why Coach enjoys this technical approach on the backend of his defense.

• Press coverage disrupts the timing of receivers
• Challenges receivers and QB
• Eliminates the route tree

Take a look at the thread from Haddad and get a feel for the new Packers’ defensive coordinator. I know that I am excited to see a more physical approach on defense as it could match up well with their young skill players.

The Packers are the youngest team in the NFL and have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. With the addition of their new defensive coordinator, it should propel them to greater heights.