Jeff Hafley is transitioning from the college football realm to the NFL, with the Green Bay Packers anticipated to appoint him as their upcoming defensive coordinator, according to an announcement by Boston College. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the initial source to break the news.
Expressing gratitude, Blake James, the director of athletics, stated, “We are incredibly thankful to Coach Hafley for his contributions to Boston College and our student-athletes.” James highlighted Hafley’s role as a genuine representative of the institution, noting the Eagles’ achievements under his guidance, including three bowl appearances, academic excellence, and a distinguished representation of Boston College. James extended best wishes to Hafley, his wife Gina, and their daughters Hope and Leah for their future endeavors.
During his four-year tenure with the Eagles, Hafley amassed a record of 22-26, with two winning seasons and participation in one bowl game. Boston College qualified for bowls in three of Hafley’s four seasons, although they chose not to participate in 2020. In the subsequent year, the team skipped the bowl game due to COVID-19. The Eagles secured a victory in the 2023 Fenway Bowl against SMU.
Hafley expressed his fondness for his time at Boston College, emphasizing the outstanding coaching environment, the quality of student-athletes recruited, top-notch facilities, and unwavering support from the University and BC fans. He mentioned his gratitude for the players’ dedication over the past four years and conveyed his and his wife Gina’s genuine sense of loss for leaving the BC community and the friendships formed.
In Green Bay, Joe Barry was let go by the Packers after a three-season tenure marked by defensive struggles. The team’s total defense ranking dropped from ninth to 17th in the 2022 season and remained at the same position in 2023. Notably, the run defense, a significant concern under Barry’s leadership, ranked 28th against the run.
Hafley is set to become the third defensive coordinator under coach Matt LaFleur. Despite his relatively young age of 44, Hafley brings NFL experience, having served as the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2012 to 2014. He also held various defensive roles with the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers.
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