Report: Jets request interview with Packers DC, former Boston College coach Jeff Hafley

The New York Jets requested an interview with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their head coach opening, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported. He previously served as the head coach at Boston College from 2020-23.

Hafley left the college head coaching ranks to become the Packers’ defensive coordinator this past season and turned the unit around. Green Bay went from the 17th-best defense in the league to the 5th-best, in terms of total yards. The Packers allowed 5,696 yards in 2023 and improved that number to 5,347 in 2024 under Hafley’s watch.

Prior to his time in Green Bay, Hafley spent five years at the college level, first as an assistant at Ohio State in 2019 before his time at Boston College. He amassed a 22-26 record with the Eagles, but led the program to three bowl games in four years. His final year ended with a 7-6 record in 2023, which marked the first time BC reached the seven-win mark since 2018.

Hafley was a longtime NFL assistant. He was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ staff from 2012-13 before stints as the defensive backs coach with the Cleveland Browns from 2014-15 and the San Francisco 49ers from 2016-18.

Jeff Hafley’s decision to leave a college head coaching job for an NFL coordinator position surprised many around the college football world, although he previously expressed concern to On3’s Pete Nakos about the changing landscape, between NIL and the transfer portal. But when he discussed the move, he said it largely had to do with his relationship with Packers coach Matt LaFleur and the situation in Green Bay.

“A lot of reporters have tried to hit me up and ask about, ‘Why’d you leave? Why’d you leave a head job?’ It really has more to do with this place than anything else, and one was Matt,” Hafley said during his introductory press conference. “I’ve known Matt for a while. I worked with his brother – worked with Kyle, worked with Robert, worked with guys that he’s known. So I’ve known of Matt, I’ve respected what he’s done. I’ve watched what he’s done here. I think he’s like 56-27. Great coach, great leader, great person, great family man.

“Those are all really important things for me coming to work for another head coach, leaving a head coaching job. Matt was a big reason.”