Packers DT Kenny Clark: New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will 'allow us to be way more disruptive'

The Packers defense has long been a situation of abundant talent but restricted execution.

Green Bay’s introduction of Jeff Hafley as the team’s defensive coordinator is meant to change that, and Kenny Clark believes the new coach will specifically let him and the defensive line amp up the aggression.

“Fiery, his energy … he’s going to bring it,” Clark said this week regarding his first impression of Hafley, per the team website. “He’s going to challenge everybody — challenge everybody to be great. That’s what you want as a coach. You want them to hold guys accountable.

I believe this plan will be beneficial to us initially. It will enable us to be significantly more disruptive.

Hafley’s recruitment follows an inconsistent season for Green Bay’s defense.

The unit ended up 10th in scoring and 17th in yards allowed despite the bottom seemingly falling out during a December stretch that saw the Packers lose to undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito and the Giants, allow Baker Mayfield a perfect 158.3 passer rating at Lambeau Field and surrender both the most points and yards the 2-15 Panthers managed all season.

Despite Joe Barry leading Green Bay to a series of inspiring performances at the end of the season and into the playoffs, it was insufficient to secure his job as the former coordinator. Furthermore, the overall performance did not reflect the roster’s true talent.

Since Clark was drafted in the first round by the Packers in 2016, Green Bay has spent seven more first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. Many have obviously come and gone, but Jordan Love remains the team’s only Day 1 offensive selection in the last dozen drafts.

The Packers have not only relied on early selections, but also focused on building a robust defensive team. This gives Hafley a wealth of resources to elevate Green Bay’s defense to the next level. It begins with a front leader like Clark, but will also manifest in a new philosophy that permeates every level.

Before becoming the head coach at Boston College and subsequently the defensive coordinator (DC) for Green Bay in the NFL, Hafley specialized in defensive backs. His preference is for a press-man scheme, which differs from Green Bay’s strategy in recent seasons. This style typically requires a strong pass rush for success.

Clark hopes to offer this under the new strategy, which will require him to attack gaps more often instead of taking on blocks at the line of scrimmage.

“I’ve always had a technical approach, but this will allow me to be more free within the defense,” he stated. “It complements my style of play well, particularly given my starting speed and my technique.”

Last year, Clark ranked third on the team, achieving a career-high of 7.5 sacks, which increased his professional total to 34.

The three-time Pro Bowler, who is only 28 entering his ninth NFL season, will become a free agent in 2025 due to the void years in his existing contract.

Should he and the remaining defensive line under Hafley prove to be as disruptive as he anticipates, the Packers have the potential to make more impact in the NFC than they did the previous year. This could also put Clark in a position to secure another lucrative contract.