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Saleh isn’t even around half the time. This is a part time gig for him. Saying he has 0% influence is likely not true, but I doubt it is much higher than that. LaFleur and Hafley are running these units. Anyone covering this team closer than Irons would be able to see that.
I am really intrigued to see what happens with our coaching staff next year. I doubt Hafley is getting poached or anything after just one year (it's happened before, but the buzz hasn't hit that kind of fever pitch, especially for a defensive guy).
But honestly, with the way MLF talks about Stenovich and the run game--and the way the run game has improved and the way the run game has been highlighted around the league with Barkley and Henry followed by Jacobs and the Lions' duo, it wouldn't SHOUCK me if someone interviewed Steno, which could lead to a host of changes and some guys leaving with him if their contracts are in the right spot (offense or defense) and Saleh will be looking for a real job around the league and you have to wonder if MLF would want to try to find a role for him that he would accept....
Anyway, this is all conjecture and incomplete logic. But I do wonder if we're going to see coaching turnover again this year or if we'll stay pretty steady. Beast way to get continuity is a deep playoff run. It's kept the Chiefs and Ravens together a bit more than expected the past two years. And it likely helped the Lions last year keep Johnson, at the least
Be really weird to have Saleh be offensive coordinator even if Steno leaves and Saleh consulted with the offense.
I could see a world where Saleh is "assistant head coach" and placed as either run defense or pass defense coordinator. I forget who Hafley really, really adores on his staff. It's a guy he says he had tremendous respect for and was elated he finally got him on his staff...but I can't remember who that was. He talked about it in his presser before the season and then again before the Saints game.
I could see a world where Saleh is "assistant head coach" and placed as either run defense or pass defense coordinator. I forget who Hafley really, really adores on his staff. It's a guy he says he had tremendous respect for and was elated he finally got him on his staff...but I can't remember who that was. He talked about it in his presser before the season and then again before the Saints game.
Vaguely remember that; feel like it was the DL coach? But yeah, unsure.
And also, I can't see Saleh switching to offense, either, as a coordinator. That would be TOO weird. There could be almost no turnover this offseason on the staff. But it also could get a little interesting if the right domino were to fall.
I could see a world where Saleh is "assistant head coach" and placed as either run defense or pass defense coordinator. I forget who Hafley really, really adores on his staff. It's a guy he says he had tremendous respect for and was elated he finally got him on his staff...but I can't remember who that was. He talked about it in his presser before the season and then again before the Saints game.
Vaguely remember that; feel like it was the DL coach? But yeah, unsure.
And also, I can't see Saleh switching to offense, either, as a coordinator. That would be TOO weird. There could be almost no turnover this offseason on the staff. But it also could get a little interesting if the right domino were to fall.
Yeah I don't know either. DL is the same guy who has been with us since 2022 so I doubt it's him.
My two bets are:
Ryan Downard - was with each other in 2014 in Clevalnd (though I still don't think so)
Anthony Campanile - long time friend but never got the chance to actually work with each other.
This is technically the first time Hafley has worked with the high-energy Campanile, but their relationship goes back more than a decade to when Hafley was leaving Rutgers to join Greg Schiano's coaching staff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Before departing, Hafley put in a word with the new staff for Campanile, an up-and-coming coach at nearby Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J.
Campanile used that opening to gain a foothold at the college level before breaking into the NFL as a linebackers coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2020. After the Packers hired Hafley, it was a no-brainer for Campanile to follow his friend to Green Bay.
"I probably owe more to Jeff Hafley in terms of my professional development and opportunities in my professional life, more to him than anybody else," Campanile said. "It's really been something I've been looking forward to for a long time and I'm obviously at this point very, very happy I made that decision."
Jeff Hafley was most excited to work with Derrick Ansley, a former defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, as the defensive pass game coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Hafley said, "Derrick and I knew each other from when I was a DB coach the first go-around".
Hafley also hired Anthony Campanile as the linebackers coach and run-game coordinator. Campanile was previously a linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins and was featured on HBO's Hard Knocks.
Hafley was hired as the Packers' defensive coordinator after serving as the head coach at Boston College. He's been a defensive coach and coordinator for college and NFL teams throughout his career.
maybe there were more than just one special hire with Hafley
always tended to think next season would be our year of the dance party, mostly do to our youth, but heck, I'd actually like to win the owl this year, next, and the year after that
"After a difficult stretch to start the season, Stokes has settled in as a starter on the perimeter. Since the bye, Stokes has allowed only six catches for 22 yards (long of only 5 yards) on 14 targets into his coverage. He gave up a touchdown pass in Detroit, and he still hasn’t broken up a pass this season, but his overall coverage grade since Week 11 ranks as the fourth best among NFL cornerbacks. The drastic improvement came at an ideal time considering Jaire Alexander has played only 10 snaps since Oct. 28."
Hafley's background is as a DB coach, maybe he's helping Stokes figure it out
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Saleh gives me negative vibes for some reason. Don't know exactly why.
Given your feelings about LaFleur, this is a great sign for the Packers
I've started to come around for LaCoach. A few more tweaks and he should be fine. Becoming more of a Stenovich lately. Who's calling the offensive plays these days? LaCoach or Steno, or both?
Saleh gives me negative vibes for some reason. Don't know exactly why.
Given your feelings about LaFleur, this is a great sign for the Packers
I've started to come around for LaCoach. A few more tweaks and he should be fine. Becoming more of a Stenovich lately. Who's calling the offensive plays these days? LaCoach or Steno, or both?
All Matt has to do is become the 2nd best coach in history (either behind Vince Lombardi or George Seifert) in nearly every metric his first 100 games for you to start "coming around" lol
MLF calls the plays. Has always called the plays. And will likely continue always calling the plays. Steno and the offensive staff only call plays in August.
"After a difficult stretch to start the season, Stokes has settled in as a starter on the perimeter. Since the bye, Stokes has allowed only six catches for 22 yards (long of only 5 yards) on 14 targets into his coverage. He gave up a touchdown pass in Detroit, and he still hasn’t broken up a pass this season, but his overall coverage grade since Week 11 ranks as the fourth best among NFL cornerbacks. The drastic improvement came at an ideal time considering Jaire Alexander has played only 10 snaps since Oct. 28."
Hafley's background is as a DB coach, maybe he's helping Stokes figure it out
.
Stokes is an interesting contract case. Typically, I don't like paying for guys who are fairly replaceable. I think you pay your superstars, pick a select few core "very good" or "ascending" players, and rely on rookie contracts for the rest. Occasionally a bargain-sized deal for a veteran with intangible qualities and locker room benefits is very merited.
It's just really hard to get efficient resource allocation on a player who is at or near replacement level beyond their rookie contract.
So I would let Stokes walk, but I'd also bring him back at the right price. He's a real "test free agency and open the doors if our offer is the best one" kind of guy. Like if I could get Stokes for Nixon prices, I would. But I wouldn't pay him like a starting CB in the NFL generally gets paid. And I would be content to see him flourish elsewhere if someone else takes that financial risk on him.
"After a difficult stretch to start the season, Stokes has settled in as a starter on the perimeter. Since the bye, Stokes has allowed only six catches for 22 yards (long of only 5 yards) on 14 targets into his coverage. He gave up a touchdown pass in Detroit, and he still hasn’t broken up a pass this season, but his overall coverage grade since Week 11 ranks as the fourth best among NFL cornerbacks. The drastic improvement came at an ideal time considering Jaire Alexander has played only 10 snaps since Oct. 28."
Hafley's background is as a DB coach, maybe he's helping Stokes figure it out
.
Stokes is an interesting contract case. Typically, I don't like paying for guys who are fairly replaceable. I think you pay your superstars, pick a select few core "very good" or "ascending" players, and rely on rookie contracts for the rest. Occasionally a bargain-sized deal for a veteran with intangible qualities and locker room benefits is very merited.
It's just really hard to get efficient resource allocation on a player who is at or near replacement level beyond their rookie contract.
So I would let Stokes walk, but I'd also bring him back at the right price. He's a real "test free agency and open the doors if our offer is the best one" kind of guy. Like if I could get Stokes for Nixon prices, I would. But I wouldn't pay him like a starting CB in the NFL generally gets paid. And I would be content to see him flourish elsewhere if someone else takes that financial risk on him.
One of Alexander or Stokes will likely be back. I don't see a world where both of them are back unless the draft really fell a bad way for us.
We will go into 2025 with 3 CB veterans (Nixon, Valentin, Alexander/Stokes) and then likely 2 - 3 rookies battle it out with Ballentine and King for roster spots and playing time.
It's just really hard to get efficient resource allocation on a player who is at or near replacement level beyond their rookie contract.
So I would let Stokes walk, but I'd also bring him back at the right price. He's a real "test free agency and open the doors if our offer is the best one" kind of guy. Like if I could get Stokes for Nixon prices, I would. But I wouldn't pay him like a starting CB in the NFL generally gets paid.
Agreed
One thing I consider is the value of a veteran player vs the growing pains of just drafting his replacement. Its a young man's game for sure, but I do assign some value to the experience/wisdom that comes from playing 2-3 yrs in the pros + the high end strength & conditioning
As noted earlier, Hafley's background is in CB development - so maybe they see enough to bring Stokes back on a prove- it type deal.
Shorter, but with upside. Like you said, no chance you pay Stokes like a starting CB, but you give him the carrots if he keeps producing.
And maybe Stokes appreciates the opportunity and coaching in Titletown.
"After a difficult stretch to start the season, Stokes has settled in as a starter on the perimeter. Since the bye, Stokes has allowed only six catches for 22 yards (long of only 5 yards) on 14 targets into his coverage. He gave up a touchdown pass in Detroit, and he still hasn’t broken up a pass this season, but his overall coverage grade since Week 11 ranks as the fourth best among NFL cornerbacks. The drastic improvement came at an ideal time considering Jaire Alexander has played only 10 snaps since Oct. 28."
Hafley's background is as a DB coach, maybe he's helping Stokes figure it out
.
Stokes is an interesting contract case. Typically, I don't like paying for guys who are fairly replaceable. I think you pay your superstars, pick a select few core "very good" or "ascending" players, and rely on rookie contracts for the rest. Occasionally a bargain-sized deal for a veteran with intangible qualities and locker room benefits is very merited.
It's just really hard to get efficient resource allocation on a player who is at or near replacement level beyond their rookie contract.
So I would let Stokes walk, but I'd also bring him back at the right price. He's a real "test free agency and open the doors if our offer is the best one" kind of guy. Like if I could get Stokes for Nixon prices, I would. But I wouldn't pay him like a starting CB in the NFL generally gets paid. And I would be content to see him flourish elsewhere if someone else takes that financial risk on him.
that process has produced some of the worst secondary play over the last decade Yoho, it takes more than a season for players to know what their play partner will do in a given circumstance, how they will hand off coverage in zone schemes.
now Stokes may price himself out of an extension, who knows, but keeping him around (others as well) gives Hafley more opportunity to broaden a player's ability, and more disguises
that process has produced some of the worst secondary play over the last decade Yoho, it takes more than a season for players to know what their play partner will do in a given circumstance, how they will hand off coverage in zone schemes.
now Stokes may price himself out of an extension, who knows, but keeping him around (others as well) gives Hafley more opportunity to broaden a player's ability, and more disguises
Our secondary is playing quite well right now.
We paid two stars (Jaire and X) and surrounded them mostly with rookie contracts (Valentine, Stokes, Bullard, Williams) and then selected one mid-tier veteran who has STs value to pay on a low-level veteran contract (Nixon)
that process has produced some of the worst secondary play over the last decade Yoho, it takes more than a season for players to know what their play partner will do in a given circumstance, how they will hand off coverage in zone schemes.
now Stokes may price himself out of an extension, who knows, but keeping him around (others as well) gives Hafley more opportunity to broaden a player's ability, and more disguises
Our secondary is playing quite well right now.
We paid two stars (Jaire and X) and surrounded them mostly with rookie contracts (Valentine, Stokes, Bullard, Williams) and then selected one mid-tier veteran who has STs value to pay on a low-level veteran contract (Nixon)
This is a fine strategy.
deceiving, take some of the pass rush away and we see huge holes in the defensive secondary, we see open receivers.
I haven't a problem attempting to replace anyone, my point is the longer they play together as a unit, the better chemistry in the schemes we'll see, I also do not believe Valentine is as good as most seem to think, or Stokes is as bad, I hope if the value is right we use a high pick on a CB in this coming draft, maybe another latter, again when QB's have time, we've seen them gut our coverage
that process has produced some of the worst secondary play over the last decade Yoho, it takes more than a season for players to know what their play partner will do in a given circumstance, how they will hand off coverage in zone schemes.
now Stokes may price himself out of an extension, who knows, but keeping him around (others as well) gives Hafley more opportunity to broaden a player's ability, and more disguises
Our secondary is playing quite well right now.
We paid two stars (Jaire and X) and surrounded them mostly with rookie contracts (Valentine, Stokes, Bullard, Williams) and then selected one mid-tier veteran who has STs value to pay on a low-level veteran contract (Nixon)
This is a fine strategy.
deceiving, take some of the pass rush away and we see huge holes in the defensive secondary, we see open receivers.
I haven't a problem attempting to replace anyone, my point is the longer they play together as a unit, the better chemistry in the schemes we'll see, I also do not believe Valentine is as good as most seem to think, or Stokes is as bad, I hope if the value is right we use a high pick on a CB in this coming draft, maybe another latter, again when QB's have time, we've seen them gut our coverage
The first half against MN and the 2nd half vs Jacksonville are really the only times this season I can think of where the opposing QB "gutted" our coverage.
That means the other 28 of 30 halves our cornerbacks actually held up really well.
"Fast-forward to the past month: Evan Williams and Javon Bullard have been dealing with injuries, and the safety depth has been tested.
Anderson is getting his chance on defense. Some were unfamiliar with Anderson’s game, but the lights weren’t too bright for the former UDFA.
Anderson had a critical third-down stuff of David Montgomery against the Detroit Lions, showing some big play ability.
Against the Saints, Anderson made his name known with the best game of his career."
Packers missed Evan Williams against the Vikings and then missed his replacement Zayne Anderson.
Javon Bullard may be or may become a decent slot player, but he sure does not seem like a natural Safety.
Edgerrin Cooper is already so much more impactful than Quay Walker has ever been. It would be nice to see them paired together. O'Connell ruthlessly exploited Wilson and McDuffie's lack of athleticism yesterday.
Valentine keeps improving and Nixon at least battles every game. I am uncertain whether Jaire will play another down of football for the Packers and I am uncertain as to whether that is even a bad thing.
At this point, I don't know what to say about Gary, Clark, and LVN except that Minnesota gets a lot more production out of their equivalent players who were not drafted as high, and, in the case of Gary and Clark, are not paid nearly as much.
Just really disappointing seasons for all three of these guys.
Probably an unpopular opinion, but I believe McKinney has been a bit of a disappointment the last month.
Palmy - "Very few have the ability to truly excel regardless of system. For many the system is the difference between being just a guy or an NFL starter. Fact is, everyone is talented at this level."
