Packers to retain Ryan Downard, Jason Rebrovich on Jeff Hafley’s defensive staff
The Green Bay Packers will retain at least two defensive coaches from last year’s staff on Jeff Hafley’s first staff as the new defensive coordinator.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, defensive backs coach Ryan Downard and pass-rush specialist Jason Rebrovich are returning under Hafley in 2024.
Downard has been with the Packers since 2018. He was a defensive quality control assistant in 2018, the assistant defensive backs coach from 2019-2021, the safeties coach in 2022 and the defensive backs in 2023. It’s possible Downard could remain the defensive backs coach or even be elevated into a passing game coordinator position under Hafley, who has a long track record of coaching defensive backs.
Rebrovich replaced Mike Smith as the team’s outside linebackers coach in 2022. He was promoted to pass-rush specialist in 2023. He could be an option as the defensive line coach — a title he’s held at two other previous NFL stops — if the Packers transition to a 4-3 front. The Packers produced 45 sacks and ranked seventh in quarterback pressure percentage during the 2023 season, per Pro Football Reference.
Even though the Packers moved on from Joe Barry, assistant coaches on the defensive side are believed to be under contract for the 2024 season. Hafley and coach Matt LaFleur are likely working together to determine who stays and who goes as the Packers transition to a new defense.
According to Demovsky, the Packers will lose defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, who is going to New England to join the Patriots.
Defensive quality control assistant Justin Hood accepted a job with the Atlanta Falcons.
Other top assistants on defense include passing game coordinator Greg Williams, inside linebackers Kirk Olivadotti and quality control assistant Wendel Davis.
