BREAKING: Green Bay Packers Manager Responds to New Defensive Coordinator’s Bold Statement for 2024

Green Bay Packers’ new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, makes a bold statement for 2024.
New Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley has boldly announced how he wants his defense to perform in the upcoming 2024 season.

Hafley, the former Boston College head coach who now serves as the Green Bay Packers’ NFL defensive coordinator, stated Thursday that he believes in system simplicity so that players can react and create plays without overthinking.

“We try to make it simple for the players so they can play quickly,” he explained on the team’s official website. “So they won’t have to think. So they may be confident and not afraid of making mistakes. So they can play fearlessly, with their hair on fire, while running, hitting, covering, getting off blocks, and tackling. That’s the brilliance of the plan.”

Green Bay Packers’ New Defensive Scheme

Hafley intends to implement a 4-3 scheme, which the Packers last used in 2008.

Green Bay was 13th in the league in terms of points allowed, with an average of slightly more than 21 points per game. They were 22nd in yards allowed, averaging little more than 354 yards.

The Green Bay Packers did not struggle in every department. They ranked 13th against the pass. Their problem was halting those on the ground. They allowed 127 yards per game on the ground, which would rank 28th in the 2023 season.

Most people believe that transitioning to a 4-3 plan will assist. Allowing more down defensive linemen should “free up” linebackers to fill gaps and be more effective against the run.

“The things I believe in defense — whether you’re playing 3-4 or 4-3, pressman, which I do love … it comes down to can you take your players who you have and put them in the best position to succeed?” Hafley said. “Can you take your players and maximize their ability? Every player wants to get better, and that’s our job. Our job is to put the players in the best position to succeed and make plays.”

Hafley’s Track Record
Hafley has demonstrated an ability to coach defense well at the college level. Last year, his pass defense ranked 31st in the nation, surrendering slightly more than 200 yards per game.

Again, air yards have not been an issue for his scheme; these are yards gained on the ground. Hafley’s defense allowed little more than 181 yards per game, placing 101st in the country in opponent yards allowed.

His leaving a head coaching to be a defensive coordinator job may help those numbers improve. Some might think the level of players at Boston College may have played a role (Boston College ranked 29th in a recruiting class in 2021 but has yet to crack the top 30 besides that year). Regardless, Green Bay hopes his “hair on fire” style can allow the Green Bay Packers defenders to step up their play.