Former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley has made the jump to the NFL as the Green Bay Packers’ new defensive coordinator. This move leaves Boston College searching for a replacement for Hafley, who had an impressive season, including a Fenway Bowl victory over a top-25 SMU team.
Hafley’s decision to leave his head coaching role for a coordinator position in the NFL is unusual, but he has significant NFL coaching experience. His successor will be stepping into a stable program that saw success under Hafley, with at least six wins in three out of four seasons.
However, the ACC is set to expand in 2024 with the additions of Cal, Stanford, and SMU, adding a layer of competition for Boston College. Despite the challenges, Boston College has a track record of identifying talented coaches outside the mainstream.
Here are some potential candidates Boston College might consider to fill Hafley’s shoes:
1. Dan Mullen: While a long shot, Mullen has a proven track record of building successful programs. He excels in player development, which could be crucial for Boston College.
2. Jeff Monken, Army coach: Monken has a history of winning in challenging situations, making him an attractive option for Boston College.
3. Al Washington, Notre Dame defensive line coach: Washington is a familiar name in Chestnut Hill, having played for Boston College. He has gained valuable coaching experience and is on the rise.
4. Jason Candle, Toledo coach: Candle has a strong record in the MAC and a track record of offensive success, which could benefit Boston College.
5. Kyle Flood, Texas offensive coordinator: Flood has rehabilitated his coaching career and has been part of offensive powerhouses, making him a potential candidate to fix Boston College’s offensive issues.
6. Al Golden, Notre Dame defensive coordinator: With deep ties to the Northeast, Golden’s experience and regional connections could make him an attractive option for Boston College.
The search for Boston College’s new head coach will be an important decision as they navigate the competitive ACC and look to build on their recent success.