Joe Murray

Joe Murray

Joe Murray

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: Head Coach Jeff Hafley of the Boston College Eagles looks on during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome on November 03, 2023 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

A week away from the Superbowl and teams are still filling their coaching vacancies. The Packers filled their defensive coordinator role by hiring Boston College head football coach Jeff Hafley as their defensive coordinator.

 

 

Matt LaFleur said. “Jeff has had success at every stop of his coaching career with an impressive track record of developing players at every level. We look forward to him leading our defense.” Hafley spent seven seasons coaching defensive backs in the NFL, most recently with the San Francisco 49ers from 2016 through 2018. He will replace Joe Barry as defensive coordinator.

 

 

 

Hafley was Boston College’s coach the last four seasons. He compiled a 22-26 record in four seasons, including 7-6 in 2023. That’s when he led BC to its first bowl appearance since 2018. Hafley signed an extension with BC worth 3 million dollars. Some may question the move will making less in the NFL. For Hafley, it’s an upgrade to a premiere position with a playoff team. The way things are going around the league, he could be a head coaching candidate

 

Albert Breer on Twitter: "The reality is the lifestyle of college coaches because of the transfer portal, NIL, and the climate in recruiting has made it so more guys are willing to make sacrifices to get to the NFL. I don't think Jeff Hafley will be the last major college HC we see do this. / Twitter"

The reality is the lifestyle of college coaches because of the transfer portal, NIL, and the climate in recruiting has made it so more guys are willing to make sacrifices to get to the NFL. I don't think Jeff Hafley will be the last major college HC we see do this.

 

Is Boston College an attractive job? 

 

It is still a power 5 program that plats in the ACC. The team has not more than 7 games since 2009 and has not finished a season in the top 25 since 2007. The facilities had an improvement back in 2018. The transfer portal will come into play, recruits will have a chance to enter portal with the coaching change. The NIL has been a problem for some programs. Hiring a coach without competing with other schools will give them time to identify the right coach.

Athletic director Blake James thanked Hafley for his time and said he would lead a national search for a replacement.“As a world-class institution with a strong tradition and a commitment to excellence, we are confident that we will find an exceptional new leader for our Football program, and we will continue to do everything we can to support our student-athletes,” James said in the press release.

 

New England Football Journal ® 🏈 on Twitter: "Internal candidates for BC include: Rob Chudzinski and Steve Shimko. External candidates: Liam Coen, Brian Flores, Bill O'Brien, Ricky Rahne, Mike Bloomgren, Kyle Flood. #BCFOOTBALL / Twitter"

Internal candidates for BC include: Rob Chudzinski and Steve Shimko. External candidates: Liam Coen, Brian Flores, Bill O'Brien, Ricky Rahne, Mike Bloomgren, Kyle Flood. #BCFOOTBALL

 

Who will take over at Boston College? 

 

  • Rob Chudzinski- BC Offensive Coordinator

    Currently the associate head coach on offense for the Boston College Eagles. Has been an offensive coordinator for several NFL teams and was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns

  • Jason Candle, Toledo Head Coach

    An offensive mind who will be at the top of the list for a power 5 job. Has gone 20-8 over the last two seasons and winning the Mac Championship.

  • Liam Coen- Kentucky Offensive Coordinator

    The former UMass quarterback has roots in New England coaching at Brown, URI, UMass and Maine. He coached under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams. Coached and developed Will Levis at Kentucky. He is interiewing for the Tampa Bay Bucs offensive coordinator job.

  • Al Washington, Notre Dame

    Washington plated at BC and was an assistant in 2016. He interviewed for the job when Hafley got hired. He has been an assistant at Michigan, Ohio State and considered a great recruiter.

  • Steve Belichick, Patriots LB Coach

    Had a relationship with Hafley from their time at Rutgers. It may be a long shot but has spent time at Boston College practices. His status with the Patriots is up in the air, but would bring buzz to the program

  • Dan Mullen- TV

    A finalist for the Syracuse job, Mullen has a cushy job on TV. Mullen has spent time at big programs like Florida and Mississippi State. It could be a stepping stone job to another program, but might be worth an interview.

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