New York Giants fans may not recognize the name yet, but they will know Jeff Hafley in due course. His strong efforts as the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator have rightfully piqued interest around the NFL, and Week 11 presents a potential audition.
Hafley and the Packers travel to MetLife Stadium for a clash with the Giants, who will play their first game since firing head coach Brian Daboll. He figures to be a hot commodity during the upcoming hiring cycle, which New York is already a part of.
With Hafley coming to town as they embark on a new chapter, this could mark a franchise-altering turning point for Big Blue. Giants general manager Joe Schoen will reportedly "lead the search" for Daboll's successor, and a promising prospective candidate is coming to his backyard.
Giants getting opportune look at Packers DC Jeff Hafley as potential Brian Daboll replacement
As ESPN's Peter Schrager pointed out, then-Detroit Lions play-caller Ben Johnson "left a lasting impression" in a head-to-head matchup with his future employer, the Chicago Bears, last year. Could we see history repeat itself in the Meadowlands less than 12 months later? It certainly feels plausible.
Schrager believes a convincing performance from Hafley's group in front of New York's brass gives him a "real chance" to follow Johnson's blueprint. For whatever it's worth, the analyst is a well-known Giants supporter, so take his assessment with a sizable grain of salt. Nevertheless, the aforementioned proof of concept gives this idea legs.
Losers of two straight contests, the Packers are reeling and desperately in need of a win. Their offense has struggled lately, putting extra pressure on Hafley and his side of the ball. Schoen and the Giants won't forget him when they're scheduling interviews if he can rise to the occasion and Green Bay prevails.
As the conductor of one of the NFL's premier stop units, members of the Packers are bracing to lose Hafley this offseason. He planted the seeds for his departure by interviewing for the New York Jets' head coaching vacancy this past January, so it's a fair assumption. Green Bay's star pass rusher, Micah Parsons, is among those who anticipate him getting a shot to lead his own team in the pros.
A Montvale, New Jersey native, Hafley's roots make the Giants an obvious landing spot. His hometown is approximately 45 minutes from their venue. He purchased 30 tickets for friends and family to show up and support him against New York. Having ties to the Garden State only adds to the intrigue surrounding this storyline.
Green Bay is allowing the fifth- and seventh-fewest yards and points per game in 2025, respectively. Hafley's creativity and knack for generating pressure while blitzing at one of the lowest rates in the league. He's proven capable of maximizing his personnel, which is an element this talented young Giants squad lacked under Daboll's guidance.