Packers make impactful coaching decision to address biggest disappointment of the 2024 season
Following Thursday's end of season press conferences, it was evident that some big changes were going to be made in Green Bay following the Packers' playoff exit in the first round.The Packers have already made a big one with the coaching staff by moving on from a defensive assistant on Matt LaFleur's staff who was […]
Following Thursday's end of season press conferences, it was evident that some big changes were going to be made in Green Bay following the Packers' playoff exit in the first round.
The Packers have already made a big one with the coaching staff by moving on from a defensive assistant on Matt LaFleur's staff who was responsible for arguably the unit's most disappointing position group.
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the Packers parted ways with defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich. Rebrovich is now the second confirmed assistant who won't be returning to the staff in 2025, joining quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, who retired earlier this week.
Soon after the decision was made, a possible replacement was linked to the Packers. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport revealed that the Packers will interview New York Jets' defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton for the now-vacant position.
The Packers' defensive line, most notably the pass rush aspect of the group, was a major disappointment in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, even though the unit as a whole was a major bright spot for the team during his first season. And given the amount of capital invested into the room, it's easy to see why a change needed to happen going into next season.
LaFleur noted that the lack of production from the team's pass rushers throughout the season wasn't ideal for the scheme Hafley was looking to run with his unit (rush four and play three/four deep in the secondary). And general manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear on Thursday that it wasn't because of the players.
“There was some transition to a new scheme, but I think we didn’t grow into that consistent front like we had hoped,” Gutekunst said. “But there were times that we showed it, so I know it’s capable. I think we’ve got the right guys. They’re workers in there. I think they’re all passionate about the game. They’re unselfish team guys, so I expect us to get better there.”
The issues on the defensive front were especially evident in the team's Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts was pressured on 10 of his 24 dropbacks. When Hurts was clean, he went 11/13 passing for 112 yards and a pair of touchdown passes.
With Rebrovich now taking the fall, the pressure heats up on Hafley to get the production-level turned around in 2025 from his defensive front, and expect him ask for some additions into the room that fit the system he wants to implement.
Rebrovich has been with the Packers since 2022 and started with the team as the outside linebackers coach. In 2024, he was promoted from the team's edge rush specialist to the overall defensive line coach. Prior to arriving in Green Bay, he spent eight seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills.
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