The Green Bay Packers officially enter the 2026 NFL offseason facing a critical coaching vacancy.

For the first time in years, the Packers are searching for a new defensive coordinator.

That opening was created when Jeff Hafley departed Green Bay to accept a head coaching position elsewhere.

The move came swiftly.

And it came with major implications.

On Monday, January 19, Adam Schefter confirmed the news that sent shockwaves through Green Bay’s coaching staff.

“ESPN Sources: Dolphins are hiring former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their head coach,” Schefter wrote.

“Hafley completed his second interview with the team today and will be their new head coach.”

Hafley’s departure marks a pivotal turning point for the Packers.

Despite mixed defensive results during his tenure, Hafley was widely respected inside the building.

His system brought structure.

His approach emphasized speed and discipline.

And his presence provided stability during a transitional period.

Now, that stability must be replaced.

Almost immediately, speculation began surrounding potential successors.

One name has emerged repeatedly.

That name is Raheem Morris.

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is now widely viewed as one of the most logical candidates to take over defensive coordinator duties in Green Bay.

The connection did not emerge randomly.

It was first highlighted publicly by Andy Herman of Packer Report.

“Some immediate names to keep a very close eye on,” Herman wrote on X.

He then listed several candidates.

Among them were Demarcus Covington, Zach Orr, Christian Parker, Derrick Ansley, Jim Leonhard, and Raheem Morris.

Herman added an important qualifier.

“I’d put Morris as my initial best guess if Matt LaFleur is back.”

That comment carried weight.

Matt LaFleur is indeed back.

Over the weekend, LaFleur finalized a new multiyear contract with the Packers.

That extension reaffirmed the franchise’s belief in his leadership.

It also clarified the direction of the coaching search.

LaFleur now needs a trusted, experienced defensive coordinator.

And Morris fits that profile.

The connection between LaFleur and Morris runs deeper than surface-level interest.

It is rooted in the NFL’s coaching network.

Morris previously served as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

During that time, he worked under head coach Sean McVay.

Together, Morris and McVay won Super Bowl LVI in 2021.

That championship elevated Morris’ standing across the league.

It also strengthened his relationships within McVay’s coaching tree.

LaFleur happens to be one of McVay’s closest friends.

The two head coaches have long shared ideas, philosophies, and staff connections.

That relationship makes Morris a natural fit from a familiarity standpoint.

LaFleur values continuity.

He values trust.

And he values coaches who understand modern defensive concepts.

Morris checks those boxes.

Before his time with the Rams, Morris had a long and varied coaching career.

He served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011.

He later returned to Atlanta, initially as defensive coordinator.

During the 2020 season, Morris took over as interim head coach of the Falcons.

He was later hired full-time and remained in that role for two additional seasons.

Despite flashes of competitiveness, success was limited.

Atlanta struggled to maintain consistency.

Roster turnover, quarterback instability, and defensive lapses plagued his tenure.

Ultimately, Morris was dismissed after two full seasons as head coach.

That outcome reopened the door for coordinator opportunities.

While Morris’ head coaching résumé lacks playoff success, his defensive acumen remains highly respected.

League insiders consistently praise his adaptability.

He has coached multiple schemes.

He has worked with elite talent.

He has also maximized under-the-radar rosters.

Those traits appeal to Green Bay.

However, Morris’ path back to a coordinator role is not guaranteed.

There is one major obstacle.

Other head coaching opportunities still exist.

Several teams around the league remain without a head coach.

That list includes the Arizona Cardinals.

It includes the Baltimore Ravens.

It includes the Buffalo Bills.

It includes the Cleveland Browns.

It includes the Las Vegas Raiders.

It includes the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And it includes the Tennessee Titans.

Other openings have already been filled.

The New York Giants hired John Harbaugh.

The Falcons replaced Morris with Kevin Stefanski.

Hafley’s hiring by the Dolphins accounted for the third of ten head coaching vacancies this cycle.

That leaves limited options.

Still, Morris could draw interest.

Despite his record, he remains respected.

Across five full seasons and part of a sixth as a head coach, Morris compiled a 37–56 regular-season record.

None of his teams reached the postseason.

That fact matters.

It often limits future opportunities.

It is rare for a coach to receive three head coaching chances without prior playoff success.

But it is not impossible.

Morris is still just 49 years old.

He has adapted with the league.

He remains well connected.

And he continues to interview well.

If Morris does not land another head coaching job, Green Bay becomes a logical destination.

For the Packers, the urgency is real.

Replacing Hafley is not optional.

The defense must remain competitive.

LaFleur’s offense cannot carry the team alone.

Green Bay’s roster features young defensive talent.

That talent needs guidance.

It needs clarity.

And it needs a coordinator who can develop players.

Morris’ experience with multiple organizations gives him a unique advantage.

He understands locker room dynamics.

He understands how to work under a strong head coach.

He understands how to balance scheme with personnel.

Those traits align with LaFleur’s leadership style.

The Packers must also consider continuity.

Switching defensive systems repeatedly can stunt development.

Morris’ scheme flexibility allows for smoother transition.

That reduces learning curves.

It minimizes disruption.

From Green Bay’s perspective, Morris represents a stabilizing force.

From Morris’ perspective, Green Bay offers opportunity.

It offers structure.

It offers patience.

It offers a respected head coach with job security.

That matters.

Especially after two turbulent head coaching stints.

Whether Morris ultimately lands in Green Bay remains uncertain.

Head coaching interviews could change the equation.

Another team could take a chance.

But if Morris is available, he will be near the top of LaFleur’s list.

The Packers understand the stakes.

They have a championship window.

They cannot afford regression.

Hiring the wrong defensive coordinator could undo progress quickly.

Hiring the right one could elevate the entire roster.

As the coaching carousel continues to spin, all eyes remain on Green Bay.

The decision they make next will shape the trajectory of their 2026 season.

And Raheem Morris stands squarely at the center of that conversation.