The Green Bay Packers need to start their search for a new defensive coordinator after the Miami Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley.
The Green Bay Packers lost defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on Monday, as the Miami Dolphins hired him as their next head coach.
Hafley was a great defensive coordinator for the Packers over the past two seasons and will be tough for head coach Matt LaFleur to replace.
However, some candidates could be intriguing for Green Bay to target as their next defensive coordinator.
Raheem Morris
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris should be at the top of LaFleur's list to replace Hafley at defensive coordinator. Morris went 16-18 in his two seasons as the Falcons' head coach.
He had great success as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, including when they won the Super Bowl.
Morris is one of the top candidates on the market for defensive coordinator openings, and it would be a homerun if LaFleur and the Packers can land him.
Jim Leonhard
LaFleur tried to hire Jim Leonhard as Green Bay's defensive coordinator in 2021, but he chose to remain at the University of Wisconsin.
However, after serving as the interim head coach in the 2022 season, Leonhard left the University of Wisconsin. He now serves as the Denver Broncos' defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach.
Leonhard is another top candidate on the market for teams in search of a new defensive coordinator, but with his roots in Wisconsin, LaFleur should make another run at hiring him.
Jonathan Gannon
Another former head coach the Packers could target is Jonathan Gannon, who coached the Arizona Cardinals. Gannon was the Cardinals' head coach for the past three seasons, posting a 15-36 record.
While he didn't have much success as a head coach, he was a great defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles prior to that, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 2022.
Gannon should be one of the names the Packers consider in their search for a new defensive coordinator.
DeMarcus Covington
DeMarcus Covington is the one internal candidate to look out for in Green Bay's search. Covington is currently the defensive line coach and run game coordinator, but has received interest from the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets for their defensive coordinator openings.
Covington was also previously a defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots in the 2024 season. He deserves a look from LaFleur to be promoted.
Christian Parker
Christian Parker is another candidate to monitor, as he previously worked under LaFleur as the Packers' defensive quality control coach from 2019 to 2020.
Parker is currently the Eagles' defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, and has generated some interest around the league as a defensive coordinator candidate.
Al Harris
A name Packers fans know well is Al Harris, as he played seven seasons for Green Bay.
Harris transitioned to coaching after his playing career, serving as the defensive back coach and assistant head coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 to 2024 and as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 2025.
He is another option for LaFleur and the Packers to consider.
Although losing Hafley is tough, there are talented candidates available, and it's up to LaFleur and Green Bay to land one.