Announced Friday night, former West Virginia assistant coach Jeff Koonz, has been hired by the Green Bay Packers according to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.
Koonz has been with West Virginia since 2020. During his time in Morgantown, he has been interim defensive coordinator, inside linebackers coach, and special teams coordinator.
In 2023, West Virginia’s punt defense was ranked No. 5 nationally, only allowing an average of 0.23 yards per return while Koonz was the special teams coordinator.
Koonz has had the opportunity to coach players like Tony Fields II who led the Big 12 with 88 tackles and ranked 27th nationally in 2020.
Koonz’s coaching career spans over two decades, with experience at different schools including Auburn, Texas, Iowa State, Louisiana Tech, Cincinnati, North Texas, and Ole Miss.
His move to the NFL is a significant step in his career as he looks to add to his resume.
The Packers, who finished 11-6 in the 2024 season, look to use Koonz as a member of their defensive staff going forward.
mzenitz (@Matt Zenitz) posted: The Green Bay #Packers are hiring Jeff Koonz as a member of their defensive staff, sources tell @CBSSports/@247Sports.
He worked for West Virginia the last six years, including as interim defensive coordinator last season. Before WVU, coached linebackers at Ole Miss. https://x.com/mzenitz/status/1898138898594680992?s=51&t=x6yfMUmxZ_yrHGUY66wDXg
Photo courtesy of @CoachKoonz on X
