Packers Coaching Moves That Will Shape 2026

With these signings Ed Policy is clearly promoting organizational continuity at the top. However, beneath that stability, the Packers have experienced significant turnover and retooling among position coaches and coordinators.

Spoiler, the #1 coach fans hoped to see gone will still hold a clipboard in 2026…..

Hafley Leads A Defensive Coaching Exodus

While we all knew it was inevitable, it didn’t stop the sting of losing Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley is now head coach of the Miami Dolphins, which makes a lot of sense as a landing spot when you consider that the Dolphins just hired long time Packers Executive, Jon-Eric Sullivan, as their new GM.

Hafley certainly didn’t make his way south alone, taking multiple assistants with him. Here’s a breakdown of everyone that made the trek with Haf to Miami.

Sean Duggan
Duggan served as the Packers linebackers coach under Hafley in 2025. He will now serve as Miami’s new Defensive Coordinator.

Ryan Downard
Downard served as defensive backs in Green Bay and is expected to take on the role of defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach under Hafley.

Wendel Davis Davis served as defensive quality control coach and will likely work in the same capacity for Hafley in Miami.

Big Shoes To Fill

The Packers hired former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their new Defensive Coordinator. To say he has big shoes to fill is an understatment as Hafley quickly captured Packer Nation’s hearts along with the loyalty of the team. I will be putting out a more in depth article on Gannon’s coaching style nearer to the season when I’ve had a chance to review the system that he is implementing.

As of now it’s widely understood that he favors a quarters friendly version of the 4-3 defense. Here’s a great breakdown from my friend Andy Herman of the Pack-A-Day Podcast going over his defensive philosophy.

Packers Offensive Coaching Departures & Replacements

Matt Lafleur’s offensive coaching staff saw the departure of QB Coach Sean Mannion, who accepted an Offensive Coordinator role with the Philadelphia Eagles. This opened the door for Luke Getsy (pictured above) to be promoted to quarterbacks coach, a move aimed at maintaining continuity while integrating fresh perspectives.

A Reunion For Packers WR Christian Watson

In addition to internal promotions, the Packers have looked outside the organization for positional expertise. The most notable is the hiring of Noah Pauley as their new Wide Receivers coach. Pauley is known for developing talent at the college level including current none other than Packers receiver Christian Watson.

Pauley replaces Ryan Mahaffey, who left to join Philadelphia’s staff. The investment in a coach specifically tied to the Packers current arguable WR1 shows their commitment to his development, despite an injury prone career to this point. Here’s a clip of Christian talking about Pauley and his relationship courtesy of TFC GB

Waiting To See The Packers Plan

With 8 on-field coaches expected to return and several new faces now in place, Green Bay’s coaching staff reflects both continuity in leadership and strategic refreshes in critical coach positions as the franchise prepares for the 2026 season.

While there is sure to be mixed reviews about Matt and Rich Bisaccia amongst some fans, the overall vibe is that Packers are doubling down on their vision. I am excited to see the schemes this new staff implements on both sides of the ball in the fall.