“We want the ball and we’re gonna score.”
Those were Matt Hasselbeck’s famous words that echoed around Lambeau Field in the 2003 Wild Card Round, only for Al Harris to intercept Hasselbeck’s pass and send the Green Bay Packers to the next round in overtime.
From one Matt to another, Matt LaFleur can now say this to Ben Johnson: “We want to interview Al Harris, and there’s nothing you can do to stop us.”
He (probably) didn’t say those words, but the result is the same. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers have interviewed Harris, who is currently the Chicago Bears’ defensive backs coach, for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Could LaFleur bring the Packers Hall of Famer home?
Packers could reunite with Al Harris in a stunning move that would hurt the Bears
LaFleur’s search for Jeff Hafley’s replacement is underway, with Hafley landing the Miami Dolphins’ head coach job earlier this week. The Packers have reportedly scheduled interviews with Philadelphia Eagles pass game coordinator Christian Parker, Minnesota Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, and former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
We can now add Harris to the list, and it would be a fascinating move.
Harris spent seven seasons in Green Bay as a player, making two Pro Bowls and earning second-team All-Pro honors. He started his coaching career as an intern with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 and has now worked his way into a potential defensive coordinator position.
Mike McCarthy hired Harris as his defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 before promoting him to be his assistant head coach in 2024. Harris has spent this past season as the Chicago Bears’ defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator.
He has thrived in every opportunity.
Harris made 22 interceptions in his NFL career, including the famous playoff pick-six, and his defenses attack the ball in the same way. In his five seasons with the Cowboys, the defense intercepted 82 passes — only two teams had more.
He then headed to Chicago. Any guesses which team led the NFL in picks this season? That would be the Bears with 23. Harris has built an outstanding resume as a defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator over the past six seasons.
The question is whether he can take the next step to lead a defense. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Washington Commanders have also interviewed Harris, where he would reunite with Dan Quinn.
But coming home to Green Bay would make so much sense. It’s rare for a star player to also become a coach for the same team, but Harris is now officially in contention for the Packers’ defensive coordinator job. And the best part? They could steal him from the Bears.
