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Packers Defensive Coordinator Search: Top Target Emerges, Rising Star to be Interviewed
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- Packers Defensive Coordinator Search: Top Target Emerges, Rising Star to be Interviewed
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Even before the Green Bay Packers signed head coach Matt LaFleur to a contract extension, the franchise had been doing background work on its search for a new defensive coordinator. With Jeff Hafley now gone and LaFleur extended, candidates are beginning to emerge in the Packers coaching search.
According to ESPN 's Rob Demovsky, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is reportedly "at or near the top of that list" of LaFleur's top targets to become the next Packers defensive coordinator.
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Related: Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Candidates to Replace Jeff Hafley
Morris is expected to be in high demand this offseason. Currently, the Packers, Minnesota Vikings , Washington Commanders , Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers all have vacancies at defensive coordinator. That does not even include teams without a head coach or those that just hired a head coach.
There is another possible destination as well. If Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is hired as a head coach, Sean McVay could bring Morris back to the franchise. The defensive-minded veteran coach is highly regarded around the league, with men who have worked under the Shanahan tree having a strong relationship with him.
""That's my guy. My guys are with me."
Related: NFL Defense Rankings 2026
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aFleur is part of that group. Morris and LaFleur worked together in Washington (2012-13) and in Atlanta (2015-16). The Green Bay head coach could also prefer Morris because of the chance at stability at defensive play-caller. Since Morris has twice been hired as a head coach, he is unlikely to land a third head-coaching gig.
In his last season as a defensive play-caller with the Rams, Morris oversaw a defense that ranked 19th in scoring rate (36.8 percent), 18th in third-down defense (38.6 percent conversion rate) and 15th in red-zone defense (54.2 percent touchdown rate).
While Morris has not officially been brought in for an interview, Green Bay has scheduled its first meeting with a potential candidate to replace Hafley.
Read More: NFL Power Rankings 2026, One Move Each Eliminated Team Should Make
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Green Bay Packers Schedule First Interview with DC Candidate
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz , Green Bay is set to interview Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator Christian Parker regarding its defensive coordinator vacancy. He'll be meeting with LaFleur a day after interviewing with the Dallas Cowboys.
Parker, who turned 34 in December, is regarded as one of the best defensive backs coaches in the NFL. He served on the Green Bay coaching staff (2019-20) under LaFleur for two seasons before taking over as the Denver Broncos defensive backs coach. He has spent the last two years in Philadelphia.
During his tenure as a defensive backs coach, he has been instrumental in the development of 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II , All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and standout nickel Cooper DeJean . While he does not have any experience as a defensive play-caller, he is viewed as one of the up-and-comers in the NFL coaching ranks.
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LaFleur is also expected to interview at least two candidates from the current Packers coaching staff, with defensive line coach and run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington and passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley both considered internal options to replace Hafley.
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