Rankings Show Packers Have Right Play-Callers Calling Shots

Pro Football Network ranked Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur as the 5th-best offensive play-caller and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as the 10th-best defensive play-caller in the NFL.

Despite acknowledged flaws like a poor record against top NFC teams and limited playoff success, LaFleur successfully managed the transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love in 2023. He also navigated the offense effectively when Malik Willis replaced Love for several games in 2024. Under LaFleur, the Packers' offense improved statistically, moving from 14th in points and 17th in yards in 2022 to 8th in points and 5th in yards in 2024. PFN credited LaFleur's flexibility, schematic creativity, and nuanced run-game design, especially his ability to adapt to a limited QB situation and later channel Love's volatility into an explosive attack after his return. The addition of Josh Jacobs shifted the offense towards being the third-most run-heavy in the league, creating a "thunder-and-lightning" approach alongside Love's downfield passing. With young weapons developing and key players returning from injury, PFN views LaFleur's offense as ascending.

On defense, coordinator Jeff Hafley led the unit to finish the 2024 season ranked 6th in points allowed and 5th in yards allowed, their best performance since the 2010 Super Bowl season. This achievement came despite an inconsistent pass rush and significant injuries, notably to All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, forcing reliance on rookies in the secondary and at linebacker. Hafley emphasized that his proudest accomplishment was the unit's effort, physicality, confidence, and communication, particularly how hard they played at the end of the season. Looking ahead, the potential of players like Edgerrin Cooper and the addition of Nate Hobbs, combined with an offseason to address the pass rush, suggests potential defensive improvement in 2025. Hafley stressed the need to evolve the system, rebuild to their end-of-season level quickly, and further develop player relationships and trust in his second year.