Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander said the defensive staff changes have “definitely” contributed to his optimism going into his seventh NFL season.
Alexander emphasized a mutual feeling of respect with the new staff in Green Bay, which included hiring former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley to replace Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator after three seasons — and adding new defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley.
“I met the strength staff first and they were great,” Alexander said Wednesday while talking with reporters during OTAs. “There was a mutual respect, and I was willing to work with them. And then I met the coaches next, and it was the same there. It was all good vibes from the get-go.
“And that propelled me here as well, talking with [Packers head coach] Matt [LaFleur]… Just having that relationship and building that, it’s been helpful.”
The two-time All-Pro took a pause when another reporter asked if that sort of connection was missing with the previous staff.
“I don’t want to say it was missing, but there were — it wasn’t as easy as it is with this new staff,” Alexander said.
Alexander explained how he developed a fast relationship with Ansley.
“He’s just been great. He works with me every day on my craft, on my technique,” Alexander said. “It’s just fun working with him. I think the sky’s the limit for our room and for myself, especially having DA around.”
He added that Hafley “preaches aggression” and has “been great from day one.”
The Packers fired Barry after his defense struggled through most of the 2023 campaign.
Alexander missed 10 games in the regular season, nine due to injuries (back, shoulder) and one due to a team-issued suspension after he appointed himself a team captain and called the game-opening coin toss before a 33-30 win over the Panthers on Dec. 24.
The two-time Pro-Bowler explained that he’s in a much more positive place than last year.
“I feel like I have so much more to put out there and display consistently, and I’m just ready to attack that,” he said. “Man, I’m super motivated… That’s why I’m here.
“… Just going into Year 7, at this point, I’m trying not to make it as much about myself and just do what’s best for the team.”
Hafley, who is good friends with LaFleur, reportedly wanted to get back to coaching at the NFL level, after four seasons at Boston College, where he went 22-26, including a 7-6 record this past season and a Fenway Bowl win over SMU.
Prior to that, he was the co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach for Ohio State in 2019.
Hafley was a defensive backs coach for the 49ers (2016-18) and Browns (2014-15).
The Packers begin their 2024-25 season against the Eagles in Philadelphia on September 6.