Of all the NFL coaches who deserve accolades, Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur flies under the radar when discussions of the league’s best are made.
But LaFleur’s five seasons at the helm of the Packers produced a sterling 59-31 overall record, including three postseason wins.
Green Bay’s lack of a Super Bowl berth may hold him back from recognition, but he has a promising young quarterback and brought in a respected name to take charge of the defense in Jeff Hafley.
The 45-year-old is the former head coach of Boston College and had previous stints leading defensive backs at Tampa Bay, Cleveland and San Francisco.
Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi heaped praise on LaFleur for bringing in Hafley to lead the Packers’ defense, calling it a “key hire” that does not get enough attention.
“The Packers have the cap room and they certainly have the cash..
You’ve gotta give credit to Matt LaFleur and Jeff Hafley is the key hire” ~ @mlombardiNFL #PMSLive https://t.co/wBxMiUsNz0 pic.twitter.com/JToFCiKyv9
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 27, 2024
Hafley’s return to the NFL after five years in the college ranks could foretell an improved Green Bay defense.
He brings a 4-3 scheme to the team that is loaded with talent to make it work, including a dynamic front four that is strong and deep.
Behind the defensive line are revamped units that saw second- and third-round draft choices spent on linebackers, and a secondary was enhanced through free agency in the offseason.
The Packers want to take back the division crown from the upstart Lions, and they will also have to contend with what is, on paper, a much improved Bears rival.
But Hafley’s defense should complement what is expected to be a potent offense, and LaFleur deserves much credit for bringing another bright mind on board.
