The Jets’ list of targets for their head coaching vacancy continues to grow. The team has requested an interview with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Albert Breer of Sports Ilustrated reports. 
[RELATED: Tracking Jets’ GM Search]
Breer notes the meeting will likely take place toward the end of this week. Once that interview is complete, the Jets will have spoken with (or still have an outstanding request for) 17 candidates as part of their wide-ranging search. This marks the first head coaching gig Hafley has been connected to for the 2025 hiring cycle.
The Montvale, New Jersey native has extensive coaching experience at the college and NFL levels. That includes his time leading Boston College, which spanned from 2020-23. Hafley led the program to a record at or above .500 in three of his four campaigns, and he made the jump back to the pro game last offseason. He took charge of the Packers’ defense after Joe Barry was dismissed.
Improving on that side of the ball was a key priority for Green Bay in 2024, and Hafley delivered in his first year. The Packers ranked fifth and sixth in total and scoring defense, respectively, during the regular season while also finishing third in interceptions and seventh in sacks. Playing much of the year without top corner Jaire Alexander, the team posted comparatively poor figures against the pass; still, it comes as little surprise Hafley’s work has garnered at least some head coaching consideration.
The 45-year-old is joined by many staffers with a defensive background in the Jets’ search. Robert Saleh was dismissed midseason and replaced by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, but his unit underperformed down the stretch. New York has looked into options regarding offense-oriented staffers, although Lions DC (and former Jets Pro Bowl corner) Aaron Glenn remains a name to watch closely. In any case, Hafley will join the growing list of coaches taking part in at least a first interview with New York.
Courtesy of PFR’s head coaching search tracker, here is an updated breakdown of the Jets’ process:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Showed interest; meeting never scheduled
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): To interview
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/9; team strongly interested
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interview requested
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interview requested
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/15
- Mike Locksley, head coach (Maryland): Interviewed 1/10
- Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): To interview
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/11
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/7
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): To interview 1/16
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/13
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/3; hired by Patriots
- Joe Whitt, defensive coordinator (Commanders): interview requested
At this point, wouldn’t it just be easier to list who the Jets have NOT interviewed for the HC position?!