Jeff Hafley is hired by the Packers as their defensive coordinator after leaving Boston College.

Joe Barry served as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator for the previous three years before being let go by the Packers last week.

FILE: Jeff Hafley, the coach of Boston College, cheers during the team’s opening half of its NCAA tournament…

FILE: On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Pittsburgh, during the first half of Boston College’s NCAA college football game versus Pittsburgh, head coach Jeff Hafley of the team applauds. Head coach of Boston College Jeff Hafley is departing to take a position as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Joe Barry, who led Green Bay’s defense for three seasons before being sacked last week, will be replaced by Hafley, the team announced on Wednesday, January 31, 2024

(AP) -Head coach of Boston College Jeff Hafley is departing to take a position as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Hafley will succeed Joe Barry, who was sacked by the Packers last week after three seasons as their defensive coordinator, the team announced on Wednesday night. Hafley spent four seasons at Boston College, going 22-26 overall. This past season, he finished 7-6 and defeated SMU in the Fenway Bowl.

In a statement sent by the university, Hafley said, “I loved my four years at Boston College.” “With the caliber of student-athletes we recruit, the facilities, and the support from the University and BC fans, this is an amazing place to coach.” The guys who gave so much of themselves over the last four years will be missed.

Along with opening up the coaching carousel again, his move leaves Boston College with the lone opening of any Football Bowl Subdivision program.

Before joining Ohio State as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach in 2019, Hafley was an NFL secondary coach for Tampa Bay (2012–13), Cleveland (2014–15), and San Francisco (2016–18).

In a statement announcing the hire, Packers coach Matt LaFleur noted, “Jeff has had success at every stop of his coaching career with an impressive track record of developing players at every level.” “We are excited to have him in charge of our defense.”

Hafley takes over a defense that struggled this season for the most part before making a comeback in the end.

In terms of points allowed per game (20.6), yards allowed per game (335.1), and yards allowed overall (23.1), Green Bay was placed 10th.

In 2022, BC finished with a 3-9 record, plagued by injuries and the quarterback turnover that typified a large portion of Hafley’s time in the Heights. Hafley’s employment was in risk as the Eagles started this season 1-3; however, they won five straight games to secure another bowl berth.

“We are incredibly grateful” for Hafley’s years of service, according to a statement from Boston College athletic director Blake James. A nationwide search for a new head coach will start right away.