Cory's Corner: Hafley Won't Be Scared
The Packers hired a defensive coordinator that is willing to take risks. (It's about time.)
I really like the new Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. And it’s not because he just spent four years as the head coach at Boston College.
It’s because he’s not scared.
The Packers needed someone that is aggressive and is willing to put pressure on opposing teams.
Hafley was the co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State in 2019. The year before, the Buckeyes were ranked 98th in the nation with 23 runs of 20 yards or more. In 2019, Ohio State was ranked 37th with 14. Similarly, Ohio State was ranked 72nd in yards per play in 2018 and first in 2019.
I love that the Packers chose a college coach. And he’s a young coach. That tells me that Hafley isn’t afraid to adapt and change. Those are two traits that Joe Barry failed at. And it was the result of being afraid. Barry was scared of the big play and he proved it time and again by calling for soft defenses — even in short yardage situations.
This was a move the Packers had to make. Even though the Packers made a valiant U-turn and the defense showed signs of life, it was time for him to go. There was unrest on that side of the ball and a lot of that had to do with the players being unwilling to play a scheme that was flimsier than a wet noodle.
Hafley, 44, led the Eagles to three bowl berths in four years. That’s pretty good for a middling program like Boston College.
The Packers proved this past season how close they are to an NFC or Super Bowl title. They should’ve beat the No. 1 seed in Santa Clara in the NFC Divisional Playoff. This team needs someone to believe in their talent and believe that they can do it all.
I’ve been saying it since this past summer, but this defense has plenty of talent. It just needs someone to use it in the right way.
That person is Hafley.
Now, obviously, taking huge risks also means that there will be big misses as well. But a Super Bowl ring is worth plenty of risks. Especially with one of the youngest rosters in the league.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (61)
Packer_Fan
February 03, 2024 at 07:23 am
Barry was predictable. Even if he was aggressive he would lapse back into his passive scheme. Barry wasn't that bad, he limited SF better than Detroit. But he lost 4th quarters too many times. Like the SF game.
I hope Hafley will be selectively aggressive and unpredictable. Every DC will be torched with 30+ points scored at some point.
These last 2 years I sense that some of the players and coaches didn't see eye to eye with Barry.
Players like Alexander and Valentine like to be aggressive. And I hope that Hafley uses them well
We will see
Coldworld
February 03, 2024 at 07:54 am
What I like most about Hafley is his ability to adapt, to shift his system to both player strengths and opponents. I’m not particularly excited by him having been a college coach, but away from the vast power houses, that does mean having to adjust to what talent is available.
I really don’t know if Hafley is a successful coach. One can read his background either way, but I do like his approach and the fact that he’s not instinctively defensive/passive of mind. To me that was Barry’s greatest weakness along with his devotion to scheme over player strengths.
So I am intrigued by the hire at least. It now seems like he was the second choice, but it’s a more left field one than a “what’s left” one. I wish him all the best. I think that there is a good chance a number of players are revitalized if he does indeed play with the the more positive leaning mindset you expect.
Packerpasty
February 03, 2024 at 11:28 am
At least the second choice...first choice stayed with the Ravens, were there a couple more that wouldnt come? Doesnt matter Hafley is the guy who probably will determine MLF's fate to some degree...lets hope he is the "real deal"....cant be much worse than the previous, right??
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 12:33 pm
"At least the second choice...first choice stayed with the Ravens"
Do you blame him? Good personnel who know how to play in an established scheme. Doesn't have to play with someone else's assistants...only has to replace a few. A top team who may enter 2024 as a SB favorite--it's a fast-track to a HC job if he plays it right.
mjbrogno
February 03, 2024 at 07:58 am
Now that we have a DC that will be aggressive, it’s put up or shut up for some of our first round picks. Alexander, Clark and Gary are solid, which we already know, Walker , Stokes, Van Ness, Wyatt and Savage (probably will not be back.). The future is bright.
ImaPayne
February 03, 2024 at 09:28 am
If they were to unload Stokes and I dont think they will I would be happy he has absolutely shown zero ability to play corner in the NFL. Campbell will be gone too as an undesirable.
DoubleJ
February 03, 2024 at 10:09 am
He was very good as a rookie. Did you forget that?
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 10:25 am
He wouldn't know. Stokes doesn't play for MN.
ChrisD
February 03, 2024 at 11:41 am
Stokes was really good as a rookie then got hurt. This guy always makes stupid, negative untrue statements like this. Ignore him like most everyone else here does.
Coldworld
February 04, 2024 at 08:27 am
As long as Stokes is past his injury, the Hafley approach looks exactly what he needs. He showed in his first year that he can compete at the catch point, then Barry moved away from press. Stokes was never a good fit physically or a good bet to play off. He is fast and long. He should be a big winner from this change as long as he has fully recovered.
dblbogey
February 03, 2024 at 01:47 pm
We need an edge rusher. Van Ness needs to develop some moves, and Rashan needs to be his 2022 version, He did come back quickly from ACL, he probably wasn't 100% yet. Still, we need to keep Preston and add another rusher somehow.
HawkPacker
February 04, 2024 at 07:31 am
Possibly, but early in the year this was a strength. Usually to select someone in this position, you need to pick early and this to me is really not a position of need when compared to Safety, CB, IOL, RB and possibly ILB.
It did hurt us when Enagbari got hurt as it takes so long to get back to normal. The other thing is, how does the coaching staff feel about Cox. He did not play hardly at all but they like him early on.
Guam
February 03, 2024 at 08:29 am
Hafley seems to love press man coverage and I think the Packers have the corners to play that style. Alexander, Stokes and Valentine all have the size and speed to play press man and I think we will see much more aggressive CB play next season. With the additions of LVN, Brooks and Wooden last season, the Packers greatly improved the depth and flexibility of their front seven. I think Hafley will be able to play any front he wants.
The remaining question for the defense is safety. Savage had an adequate year but is a free agent. I don't know if the Packers want him back or if they can afford him even if they do want to retain him. Ford and Owens appear to be JAGs. And the early comments on the draft indicate this is another weak safety class. And the Packers will be very limited by their cap issues if they want to try the current free agent pool. Safety play may be hard to improve next season even with a new DC.
NickPerry
February 03, 2024 at 10:25 am
"With the additions of LVN, Brooks and Wooden last season, the Packers greatly improved the depth and flexibility of their front seven. I think Hafley will be able to play any front he wants."
THIS is what has me stoked the most. I really like especially Brooks but Wooden too. I think you can use them anywhere along the D-Line on passing downs and they'll be successful. Inside or outside, it won't matter.
Van Ness is Gary 2.0 in terms of bringing him along but with the switch at DC the light will come on even quicker now for Van Ness. I think Van Ness is better with his hand in the dirt. Throw in Kenny Clark who had a good season and Wyatt who I think will REALLY take a step forward with Hafley, this D-Line room is loaded.
Use one of those first 5 picks at Safety, ILB, and CB and this defense is cooking with gas.
HawkPacker
February 03, 2024 at 11:27 am
'Use one of those first 5 picks at Safety, ILB, and CB and this defense is cooking with gas.'
Agreed Nick but in no particular order.
I also think they need to sign a FA safety as well. I read some time ago that they may have a chance at Geno Stone, Safety of Baltimore. I believe he let them with like seven INT's this year.
NickPerry
February 03, 2024 at 04:29 pm
Agreed Hawk... IF the Packers could add a Safety in FA and then one in the draft, IMO that would be the way to go.
Coldworld
February 04, 2024 at 08:33 am
I think we need a FA FS. We need a guy who can play deep and read the field now. That’s a hard role to learn. I don’t see an obvious one in the draft. I’d then draft a more developmental one later, unless they are comfortable that Johnson fits in that role. We need a mid round box/SS type.
Guam
February 03, 2024 at 02:09 pm
I just hope there is a good safety to draft when the Packer's number comes up. Not a good or deep safety class by most reports. I'm not sure how Gute can afford it given the cap numbers, but a FA safety would sure be helpful.
HawkPacker
February 04, 2024 at 07:32 am
From what I have read, there are a couple to maybe three. Hopefully, one is available for our first pick in the second round!
Tundraboy
February 04, 2024 at 11:57 pm
And you haven't even included Cox. I think he may actually see some opportunities as well.
CanPackFan
February 03, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Single high safety is tough to play in today's NFL. The WRs are fast and better QBs look off a lot of receivers. In this world, a safety has got to have terrific speed and ball instincts. That's why there is so much dual safeties employed I suspect?
This concerns me, but we've needed a significant upgrade at safety for awhile now. It will be interesting to see how GB fills this role - via free agency or draft? GPG
LambeauPlain
February 03, 2024 at 08:59 am
With Barry, and all the talent he was given, I felt the glass on D was half empty. Now I have great hope the glass not only "Haf" full, but will make a major jump in 2024.
The D jump could be as great as Jordan Love and his young Offensive teammates "Lambeau Leaps" last year. Love has great QB skills and a high ceiling that both improved as he led the Offense and they carried the Packers.
Collectively, I believe the D has the same potential...greatly unrealized under Barry. The talent on the D could play solid D but could not dominate, get consistent 3 and outs...turnovers...nor close out close games after given late leads. It wasn't points given up, it was WHEN they gave them up.
Imagine a DC who takes inventory of talents like Clark, Walker, Alexander...the three hitch pins of the 3 levels of the D and build around what they, and their teammates (Wyatt, Smith, Slayton, Van Ness, McDuffie, Valentine, Stokes) core strengths. Imagine a Defense that can actually WIN games when the O has an off day and also close out tight contests. Can Hafley do this? His core competencies would indicate he can.
Hafley's assistants will be key. Expect Downard, who coached with the new DC, will remain as a DB coach. I also expect Montgomery to remain. He did a good job with the young talent around Kenny...and may be coaching with his 4th Packer DC (DL coach with Capers, Pettine, Barry).
The jump on D could be impressive in 2024 with this coaching change. Could it be as impressive as the jump after the 2008 season? So many similarities! Rodgers just finished his first year as starter with glowing results...the bend and break D of Sanders was replaced with Capers' hiring (2010 was his best year as Packer DC but 2009 was good too). And the rest is Lombardi Trophy history!
DoubleJ
February 03, 2024 at 09:23 am
"They should’ve beat the No. 1 seed in Santa Clara in the NFC Divisional Playoff. "
The Packers should absolutely have beaten the 49ers in that game. With 6 minutes left Barry went into keep everything in front of you mode because the 49ers had to score a TD. However, the only thing worse than giving up a TD in that situation is giving up a TD while allowing 5 minutes to come off the clock. Basically the Joe Barry special for defensive play calling resulted in the worst outcome possible. I never felt that the D was going to get a stop and I'm sure most fans didn't either.
ImaPayne
February 03, 2024 at 09:24 am
Hey with the personnel he is inheriting you bet he will have to take risks. The first of which is sending them out on the field. LOL
This guy may be average if and only if he inherited a talented group of players. He has zero stars on defense and will flop faster then Barry trying to run through a car wash.
We will all be singing goodbye Hafley at the end of a 7 and 10 season with the 31st worse defense. LeFleur may be following him if thats the result. Lets hope not.
ricky
February 03, 2024 at 09:40 am
Bears troll.
NickPerry
February 03, 2024 at 10:56 am
No he's not Ricky, he's a Vikings Troll. I kinda feel sorry for him. He's made over 2300 comments here, every single one of them bashing the Packers, a coach, or player...Or a combination of all three... I mean common dude, get a life! I barely have enough time to post a comment on MY teams site let alone 2300 on a Bears or Vikings site.
Hell, I don't think I've made even 23 comments on the opposing teams sites.
LambeauPlain
February 03, 2024 at 11:06 am
You are as much fun as an uninvited, drunk neighbor stumbling into your house party and parking a Buick on your new living room rug.
ricky
February 03, 2024 at 09:45 am
I still believe it will take some time for the defense to gel. First, they have to learn to trust what Hafley is saying. Because talk is cheap. And the defense will also take some time to adjust to the new schemes that Hafley is going to be installing. I still believe it will take a few games for the defense to get more comfortable. So, there will be a learning curve, and some patience will be needed as the defense adjusts to their new coach, and, hopefully, a more aggressive approach. It would also be really nice to see the tackling improve, something that has been a sore spot for this team for years.
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 10:00 am
I love him. We haven't given up a first down yet, or any points. We haven't missed any tackles. He's perfect.
We had the #10 scoring defense this year. Let's see if the new guy can improve on that.
Here's what Brian Gutekunst has to say. I agree. We're not going to see much change.
https://lacrossetribune.com/sports/professional/nfl/packers-brian-guteku...
Bitternotsour
February 03, 2024 at 03:23 pm
Brian Gutekunst - hiding in plain site. Tells us all exactly what it is. Everyone trying to pretend he's talking in code. The Packers will draft like they always do. They favor certain types. Nothing will change in that regard. Why fix what's not broken.
The main thing the new coach will do is take some pressure of MLF, he'll be able to present better in press conferences, he'll answer for the defense rather than LaFleur having to. More than propping up the defense, this hire props up LaFleur.
LLCHESTY
February 03, 2024 at 08:53 pm
20th in points per drive, which is partly why they ended up 27th in DVOA. As in not good.
Coldworld
February 04, 2024 at 08:52 am
I think Gute made it clear in his conference that the “consistency” and general results just did not cut it. Polite of course, but not equivocal.
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 10:16 am
And by "not much change", I mean in personnel. We're counting on other things, like "attitude" to keep points off the board.
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 10:45 am
You have to be right.
I don't think they bring in this guy unless he could clearly articulate how he would use the guys in house, and what he would need to add. They can't afford to jettison half the defense...a full retool would take 2-3 seasons. They're trying to win in 2024.
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 12:03 pm
2024 is Murphy's last team, so you bet your bippy they want to win. He'd love to leave at the top.
By my calculations, of the 21 guys we'd want to dress out for defense, we have about 15, with most of the vacancies being in the secondary, where we like to dress 9. We have our 5 DL, we have our 3 man edge rotation (and Enagbare will return mid-season), we have a 3 man ILB group.
Secondary under contract for next year: Alexander, Stokes, Nixon, Valentine, Johnson and some practice squad carryovers. You've got to be able to line up 5 or even 6 healthy guys every game so it's not like we can hide people on the bench while they "develop".
I think we'll take a CB early, I think we'll take a Safety later, and I think we'll try to add a Safety in Free Agency. I think there is 0 chance that former Safety Mark Murphy is going to watch his last team fail because he didn't do enough to get decent Safeties on the field. The first thing Gutekunst did when he revamped was draft Savage and trade for Amos. We're not going to put hot garbage out there.
It looks bleak right now, but I think this can be fixed by the start of training camp.
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Nixon's up. He has void years, but is otherwise off the roster as of the start of the league year. I don't know if the Packers bid on him or not.
"I think we'll take a CB early, I think we'll take a Safety later, and I think we'll try to add a Safety in Free Agency. "
Gute's MO is usually to find a FA to cover glaring holes and to give himself flexibility in the draft. I think you're right on: he'll go looking for a fill guy or maybe two. They could easily re-sign Owens or Ford. SS are easy enough to find on the open market, but good FS are not. I think that's a draft priority.
"so you bet your bippy"
My bippy is off the table.
Coldworld
February 04, 2024 at 08:49 am
There is no seismic divide between 4:3 and 3:4 any more. Both Barry and Hafley have employed both from the same personnel. Shifting emphasis to more of one is no longer something that requires a huge make over as it did back when Kampman took the brunt. With our lighter DL and heavier OLBs we are set up well to be flexible.
As to single high S. Hafley played single high just under 50% for context. He played 2 deep dominantly against certain opponents too. His style is to adapt to opponents and to vary the tactics within games. Barry was more system or bust.
It does mean we need a good play now capable FS to enable it. Let’s face it though, while that might mean a slight change in emphasis, we all know we needed an infusion of multiple talents at S regardless.
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 10:53 am
Bottom line is that we saw that this defense had some very strong performances: they were capable of playing very well. They also had stretches where they couldn't get the right personnel on the field or figure out what they were supposed to be doing...and that's with a mostly veteran group. Consistency was a dirty word going into 2023, but this defense needs to find consistency: a consistently higher level of play and coordination.
Hafley is a DB coach at heart, and has talked a good game of wanting to play press with his CBs. He's got a group of CBs suited to do so, but playing a lot of press is hard on your CBs. He needs to get Stokes healthy and on the field. This defense was bottom of the league in INTs in 2023. Forcing a few more picks in 2024 is an imperative. Hopefully he can find ways to help coach up whatever they give him at the safety position in 2024. It's hard to win in the NFL if you're weak up the middle.
Other than that? Way too many variables to say much about 2024 except that LaF gave us what we were asking for: Barry to be shown the door and a fresh DC. The next couple months will tell us something about how Hafley wants to configure personnel. Enjoy the ride!
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 12:09 pm
dobber, it's a good thing Hafley is a DB coach, because that's where the most work is needed. You are correct that playing a lot of aggressive press coverage is hard on your CBs, and our two best CBs are kind of fragile.
On the interceptions.....I saw countless instances last year where just as the pass rush was about to get a sack, the QB would unload to an open receiver. We just need to keep guys covered a fraction of a second longer and we'll get more sacks and more balls thrown into coverage.
I think he'll be working with plenty at the Safety spot. Former Safety Mark Murphy's last season is not going to fall short because he didn't do enough to put Safeties on the field. I'm expecting us to acquire a solid vet starter and a Top 100 draft pick, at a minimum.
croatpackfan
February 03, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Leatherhead, I will add ILB group as weakness. Campbell is probably gone and there is Quay and McDuffie, back up Wilson. McDuffie played one year under Jeff Hafley, his rookie year (in college). So, we will need to add another very good to excellent ILB to that room.
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 01:10 pm
We get to watch this defense evolve in real time.
Should be fun!
Ferrari-Driver
February 03, 2024 at 11:34 am
Another change I expect to see is Hafley down in the field and not in the press box. I also expect to see a great many fewer instances of only 10 players or sometimes 12 defensive players causing a needless time out or penalty. I think Packer fans are going to see a defensive coordinator really running the show. And to paraphrase Cory he ain't no "scaredy cat".
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 12:11 pm
I can tell you that you get a lot better view from the box than you do from the sidelines. And when you have the youngest team in the league, you're going to have some times when you don't line up 11. It happens.
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 12:36 pm
If they coach from the field and the defense isn't good, everyone seems to think they should go to the box. If they coach from the box and the defense isn't good, they need to be on the field. <<shrug>>
Coldworld
February 04, 2024 at 08:40 am
If I have strong assistants it’s ok to be in the box. The sideline benefits are more little observations and motivational. That doesn’t have to come from the coordinator. It may have on Barry’s staff I suppose. The advantages tactically of being upstairs are genuine, as long as the staff can handle the sideline.
ChrisD
February 03, 2024 at 12:59 pm
He can have an assistant in the box communicating to him and be on the field.
dobber
February 03, 2024 at 01:12 pm
...as long as it's not the same assistant who's advising LaF on whether to throw challenge flags...
BA4Pack
February 03, 2024 at 11:50 am
The more I read the more I like.
We shall see.
GPG!
CanPackFan
February 03, 2024 at 11:50 am
To me, a successful coach puts players in a position to succeed. I rarely saw this with Barry. His philosophy of playing soft and waiting for a mistake was maddening. It also kept our offense off the field more which was always counter to the strength of GB - an elite, attacking offense with elite quarterbacking. Now, we will hopefully get to see how good all these first round D draft picks perform with an aggressive, adaptable coordinator.
I am expecting some confusion/early regression of this defense in the early part of the season. But I am excited for its potential given to the bonefides of this new DC. Aggressive, adaptive DC coaching in GB? Who would have thunk it? GPG
marpag1
February 03, 2024 at 11:51 am
....and suddenly everyone knows Hafley well. LOL.
I remember Hafley. Seems like yesterday that we were sitting next to each other in high school civics class. Good ol' Hafley. He'll do well. I dated his sister for a while. Wonder what ever happened to her. I should look her up sometime. She was hot...
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 12:13 pm
I remember when we were all excited and happy about getting Mike McCarthy as a HC.
croatpackfan
February 03, 2024 at 12:43 pm
And Mike McCarthy delivered SB, isn't he?
Leatherhead
February 03, 2024 at 01:56 pm
Yeah, he sure did. Then he got fired because his QB was tired of him. The cognoscenti said MM had become , tired and predictable and stale. Of course, that didn't stop him from winning all those games in Dallas.
There were people, here, calling for LaFleur's firing just a little while ago.
Everybody loves the new guy. But when his Cover 1's start getting torched for long passes, the knives will start coming out.
Bitternotsour
February 03, 2024 at 03:39 pm
Kind of amazing how that stale offense lit the league up year after year in Dallas. People still talk about McCarthy as though he hadn't been sabotaged by Aaron.
Mark Murphy spit the bit on that one. McCarthy was treated shamefully.
LeotisHarris
February 03, 2024 at 06:38 pm
Shameful treatment indeed. Mike is a man who worked his butt off to earn his way up the ladder to be an NFL HC. A truly impressive story. I admire how he has never blamed Rodgers for his early exit from Green Bay. I wish him the best.
This coming season should move him up to the top 10 in NFL all-time wins, passing Shanahan, Carroll, Coughlin and Parcells. A Hall of Fame coach, for sure.
Bitternotsour
February 04, 2024 at 09:29 am
Mike was a guy with honor. He honored the team with his commitment and his attitude. He didn't take lightly the history of the Packers or the importance of the team to the community. He was a mensch.
Coldworld
February 04, 2024 at 08:57 am
He got fired primarily because Ball as GM left is with little talent and huge holes. The talent level was simply not good enough on either side of the field. We knew watching. It was painful. You knew it too.
Leatherhead
February 04, 2024 at 03:54 pm
So this team with little talent and huge holes finished almost .500 with Brent Huntley as QB? And then the next year, 2018, when our QB was in revolt, we still almost finished .500 with little talent and huge holes?
How is that accomplished?
Oppy
February 06, 2024 at 12:28 am
That's odd, I distinctly remember a significant number of (if not most) Packers fans saying "Mike WHO?" and being disgruntled that we didn't land Sean Payton.
TitletownLegends
February 04, 2024 at 07:09 pm
One aspect I wonder about is if Hafley, as an added bonus, might be valuable in the upcoming couple of Draft classes. I think it was Herman who mentioned Alabama and Georgia were interested in bringing him in for his scouting acumen. I also read a story saying he was so committed he would sleep in the parking lots to close on a prospect.
Just a thought.
Go PACK Go!
Oppy
February 06, 2024 at 12:25 am
I could be wrong, but I think the sheet on Hafley is that he's a talented RECRUITER, not specifically a talented scout.
Yeah, I'm splitting hairs on this, but there's a real difference between scouting and recruiting.. and recruiting isn't a part of the process in the NFL draft.
Now, if he's a great recruiter, that could help when trying to reel in talent in free agency, but as far as the draft goes? You just call the name, no recruitment needed.