Breaking News: Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has officially submitted his resignation letter following a heated argument with…

Packers Take Major Step to Address Inconsistent Pass Rush

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has c, as initially reported by ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky.

Rebrovich served as the outside linebackers coach under Joe Barry in 2022 and 2023. After the transition to Jeff Hafley, he was retained and took charge of the entire defensive line.

A potential replacement has already surfaced.

LaFleur is likely familiar with the candidate: Whitecotton, who was part of former Jets coach Robert Saleh’s inaugural staff. Saleh spent part of the season with the Packers after being let go midseason.

Whitecotton’s defensive line tallied 48 sacks in 2023 and 45 in 2022.

The Packers’ high-profile, high-cost defensive line struggled to meet expectations in the passing game throughout the season.

Defensive tackle Kenny Clark, along with defensive ends Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness—three former first-round picks—had lackluster seasons.

“Sometimes that’s just the way the NFL season unfolds,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said Thursday when asked about their performance. “There was some adjustment to a new scheme, and while we didn’t consistently achieve the level we hoped for, there were moments that showed the potential. I believe we have the right players. They’re hardworking, passionate, and team-oriented, so I expect improvement.”

Clark, who ranks 12th among interior defensive linemen with an average annual salary of $21.3 million, managed just one sack this season after achieving a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2023.

Gary, earning an average of $24.0 million per season (eighth among edge defenders), made his first Pro Bowl appearance with a team-high 7.5 sacks. However, he has yet to record a double-digit sack season and posted more sacks (9.0) last year despite recovering from a torn ACL.

Van Ness contributed three sacks, while Kingsley Enagbare, who saw increased playing time after Preston Smith was traded, added 4.5 sacks.

Combined, the Packers’ top three edge defenders recorded 15 sacks—less than Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, who had 17.5 on his own.

Reflecting on Gary’s performance, Rebrovich noted, “We can analyze the sack numbers, but teams have to account for Rashan Gary. Whether it’s in protection, with chips, or using extra blockers, he’s a factor.”