The Packers made an unexpected choice in hiring their defensive coordinator, bringing in Boston College HC Jeff Hafley. This continues a trend for Matt LaFleur of looking to the college ranks for his DC searches, after attempting to hire then-Wisconsin staffer Jim Leonhard in 2021. Hafley’s hire comes after the Packers also interviewed seasoned NFL coordinator Don Martindale, according to a tweet from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein.

Martindale recently resigned from his two-year post as Giants DC after a turbulent second season with Brian Daboll, and has interviewed with the Jaguars for a job that ultimately went to Ryan Nielsen. Martindale has faced accusations of going rogue during his time in New York, including allegedly making a uniform number change for linebacker Tomon Fox without proper approval.

Meanwhile, here are some other updates from the coaching ranks:

• The Saints–Jon Gruden connection continues to be a topic of conversation, with suggestions that Gruden could have a bigger role with New Orleans in 2024, potentially even replacing Dennis Allen.
• Mike Macdonald has confirmed that he will start his tenure as the Seahawks defensive play-caller, although he is open to that changing at some point in the future.
• The Buccaneers have seen several members of their offensive staff depart for Carolina, but Tom Moore will remain with the team as a consultant.
• Baker Mayfield struggled in 2022, and the Panthers hope that new hire Dave Canales can help the QB rebound from his difficult season in Carolina.
• Alex Tanney has been permitted to explore opportunities elsewhere by the Eagles, and the team has hired three new assistants, including Chad Morton as running backs coach and Chris Beatty as wide receivers coach.
• The Bears have also made some new coaching hires, including Jason Houghtaling as assistant O-line coach.