Sean Duggan (linebackers) and Ryan Downard (defensive backs) followed Hafley to the Dolphins, leaving the Packers with vacancies to fill at two key position coach spots.
A to Z Sports’ Wendell Ferreira has identified Nick Rallis, the Cardinals’ current defensive coordinator, as the top potential staff addition for Green Bay. Rallis is still under contract with Arizona but could explore opportunities, Ferreira notes, given his past connection to Gannon and the Packers’ open linebacker coach position.
Rallis has a documented relationship with Gannon, having coached linebackers for the Eagles in 2021-22 before joining the Cardinals as defensive coordinator and serve as play-caller there. While the Cardinals’ unit struggled under his leadership, particularly in 2025 (27th in yards allowed, 29th in points), Ferreira points out that much of that stemmed from personnel and the Cardinals’ overall roster weakness. Rallis would reportedly consider a role as Green Bay’s linebackers coach, a demotion from his Arizona title but one that could be justified if he continues to rise within the Packers’ system.
Ferreira also proposed four other potential hires with ties to Gannon: former Cardinals outside linebackers coach Matt Feeney, former Cardinals defensive quality control coach Ronald Booker, former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, and Seattle Seahawks safeties coach Jeff Howard. Of the group, Eberflus would be the highest-profile addition, bringing extensive defensive experience, though his recent track record has been mixed. Ferreira notes Eberflus’ connection to Gannon and Howard’s familiarity with Gannon’s Minnesota ties as potential synergies for Green Bay.
Overall, the Packers’ search appears focused on leveraging Gannon’s coaching tree to stabilize or elevate the defense after Hafley’s exit, with Nick Rallis at the forefront of the candidates and several other experienced assistants in play. The coming weeks will determine which route Green Bay takes to fill the remaining role coach positions and how the new staff will mesh with a team still rebuilding its defensive personnel.
