The Green Bay Packers have announced significant coaching staff changes, notably hiring Jeff Hafley as the new defensive coordinator. Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed enthusiasm for the shift towards a "different 'scheme.'" under Hafley's guidance, emphasizing a 4-3 base aimed at a more aggressive and "vision-based" defense in the secondary, expected to increase turnovers. LaFleur highlighted the importance of having the right personnel for this transition and noted efforts to simplify the system for players. Additionally, the Packers have welcomed new strength and conditioning coordinator Aaron Hill, replacing Chris Gizzi. LaFleur praised Hill's interview and hinted at innovative approaches from the 49ers, where Hill previously worked. The coaching adjustments, including the hiring of offensive assistant Sean Mannion, reflect LaFleur's broader strategy to enhance the team's performance with a focus on physical and relentless play. Hafley, emphasizing his love for press man coverage, described joining the Packers as joining the "Mecca of the football world."
New #Packers' DC Jeff Hafley discussed his new job and plans for 2024 for the first time today. The 5 biggest takeaways are at @ForbesSports https://t.co/iPY7fWSr3y
not to be dramatic but after that press conference Jeff hafley might be the greatest defensive coordinator of all time
Matt LaFleur: Jeff Hafley's scheme will be easy to adjust to with the personnel that we have. https://t.co/RwSt7e4wZF
Even though the #49ers defense isn't a a pressure scheme, Hafley said people will see some exotic looks and pressures on certain downs and distances. He worked in the Rex Ryan defense under Mike Pettine in Cleveland and learned a lot about pressure.
Hafley said the "vision-based" defense he'll play includes a lot of press-man coverage by the corners, but he said it won't be all they do. Said they are going to make it simple for the players so they can play fast.
Why leave a head coaching job for an NFL DC job? Hafley: "It really has more to do with this place than anything else. It's the Green Bay Packers. I mean it the Mecca of the football world." https://t.co/NqDh2z4uYk
Jeff Hafley has already said multiple times that he loves press man coverage.
Jeff Hafley: “It’s the Green Bay Packers. This is the Mecca of the football world to me.”
Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator. https://t.co/ZYa5AYdPjq
LaFleur said that scheme wasn't as important to him with the Hafley hire as style of play. And he said the hallmark of the #49ers, #Jets and #Texans defenses -- all similar to what Hafley will run -- is they are physical and relentless. "It just comes down to that style."
LaFleur says he Zoom’d with new Packers offensive asst. Sean Mannion during the second half of the NFC title game. Mannion interviewed with the Bears and then came up to Green Bay. LaFleur: “They tried to get him, but I guess we had more to offer.”
LaFleur says he spoke plenty during the process of hiring Aaron Hill as Packers head strength coach with 49ers head strength coach Dustin Perry. Perry’s first cousin? Matt LaFleur’s wife. https://t.co/QTL7HblX2Q
LaFleur says he Zoom’d with new Packers offensive asst. Sean Mannion during the second half of the NFC title game. Mannion interviewed with the Bears and then came up to Green Bay. LaFleur: “They tried to get him, but I think we had more to offer.”
LaFleur said called former strength coach Chris Gizzi an "oustanding coach" but felt new leadership "could be benefical." Of Aaron Hill, who cames from the 49ers, MLF said: "I think they're doing some pretty cool things out there."
LaFleur on Hafley’s history coaching DBs: “That was definitely one of the most appealing things to me, was his ability to lead from the back end.”
LaFleur said changing strength and conditioning coordinators was a tough decision, too. He said he didn't think Chris Gizzi was to blame for the injuries the team had. He said he felt like he need a change in leadership. Said Aaron Hill did a great job in interview process.
Matt LaFleur on new DC Jeff Hafley and his 4-3 base: “It will be a different scheme, but I think it’s one that will be easy to adjust to with the personnel that we have.” https://t.co/VG8JU5xd05
LaFleur said they will be a little more "vision-based" in the secondary, which he says should lead to more turnovers. He wants his defense to be aggressive.
LaFleur said Hafley is bringing a different scheme (4-3) but "it will be easy for us to adjust to." Said he felt he had to have the right players to make the change to the new system. Said he interviewed some "really good football coaches" along the way.
Matt LaFleur on hiring Jeff Hafley: “It will be a different ‘scheme.’” https://t.co/alruvcbUYt
Matt LaFleur about to address reporters about his new assistant coach hires and new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will speak after that.
Matt LaFleur and Jeff Hafley coming up https://t.co/PVnjv4VnkU
It's time for the Packers to start over at safety. Again. https://t.co/gl751SRoG7 #Packers #GoPackGo https://t.co/iv3NrJOfkZ
Matt LaFleur and Jeff Hafley will meet with the media tomorrow afternoon, starting at 2:45 Lambeau Time. Stake your claim now, Packers fans: Who will ask the first question?
Jeff Hafley will speak with reporters tomorrow afternoon for the first time as Packers DC. Matt LaFleur at the podium before him.
Packers have their new strength & conditioning coordinator, as @mattschneidman first reported. Aaron Hill comes from the 49ers, where he was assistant strength & conditioning coach the last five seasons. Matt LaFleur now has all the key pieces to his revamped staff in place.