The Green Bay Packers have been looking to rebuild their defense ever since Jeff Hafley left the position. While the ongoing season saw them fall short to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round clash, responsibilities lay even heavier for Matt LaFleur. However, it seems like they have now found a suitable landing spot, as recent reports unveiled their word with the Eagles coach.

“The #Packers will interview #Eagles DBs coach and pass-game coordinator Christian Parker for their vacant DC job after Jeff Hafley took the Dolphins head-coaching position,” insider Jordan Schultz wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

The decision came after the Packers announced they had reached a multi-year contract extension with head coach Matt LaFleur, who just wrapped up his seventh season with the team. The Packers and LaFleur met earlier in the week to talk about where the franchise is headed, with his contract being the top priority. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the new deal is not a short-term test, but a clear sign that the team is fully committed to him long term.

Adding a new task for the head coach to be pursued, the Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach on Monday. He now takes over a team that hasn’t won a playoff game in 25 years and is looking for a fresh start.

Hafley’s career included a step away from his head coaching role at Boston College in 2024, after which he joined the Green Bay Packers as defensive coordinator. He also coached the defensive backs for the San Francisco 49ers from 2016 to 2018 before that.

As for Parker, the veteran coach just completed his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as the team’s passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. He also spent three seasons with the Denver Broncos from 2021 to 2023 before that.

The 2023 season saw Parker coach a standout defensive backfield that included second-team AP All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain. Simmons led Denver’s defense with three interceptions, along with 70 tackles and eight passes defended, while Surtain added 12 pass breakups and one interception under his guidance. This justifies the reason why the Packers are now looking to interview him.

Which other teams are looking to steal Christian Parker?

It isn’t just the Green Bay Packers who have shown interest in Christian Parker. The Dallas Cowboys have also emerged as a serious contender as they requested an interview from Parker amid their search for a new defensive coordinator. This came after their split with Matt Eberflus earlier this month. The report was unveiled by Insider Jordan Schultz, who posted an update on social media.

“The #Cowboys are requesting permission to interview #Eagles DBs coach and pass-game coordinator Christian Parker for their vacant DC job,” he wrote. “Parker, who has been coaching since age 22, has received DC interviews in the past and has been a key part of Vic Fangio’s defenses. Both Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell were named first-team All-Pro under Parker’s coaching this past season.”

Parker’s heavy demand amid the coach hunt is tied closely to his recent work with the Philadelphia Eagles. The last two seasons saw Philadelphia field one of the most effective pass defenses in the NFL. This includes a league-best showing in 2024. Parker has also been credited for helping young defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who later earned All-Pro recognition. While strong results stay steady to back the potential candidates’ demand, it remains to be seen who signs him for the next season.