In a move that many Green Bay fans had long been hoping for, the Packers fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
Despite the unit playing much better down the stretch of the season – including in their Divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers – it was time for the Packers to head in a different direction.
“We want to thank Joe for his commitment and contributions to our success the past three seasons … These decisions are extremely difficult, and Joe is one of the best men I’ve had the opportunity to work with in this league,” head coach Matt LaFleur said in a statement.
Packers are officially moving on from Joe Barry, their longtime defensive coordinator
A monumental move from Matt LaFleur pic.twitter.com/CFO7AhOfk3
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) January 24, 2024
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that it’s a possibility Barry remains on the Packers staff in a different capacity.
Green Bay will now be seeking their third defensive coordinator in six seasons to replace Barry, who had one year left on his contract.
Barry previously took over as defensive coordinator in 2021, succeeding Mike Pettine.
Joe Barry will not return as the Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator..
"They have to find somebody who can get the best out of all the talent the Packers have on defense" ~ @tyschmit #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/EZb6MiKKuj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 24, 2024
Barry’s tenure appeared to be on shaky ground since the 2022 season when the Packers total defense ranking dropped from ninth to 17th.
Despite finishing 17th in total defense this season, the team improved in multiple categories – included points allowed, where they cracked into the league’s top 10.
with joe barry gone this will no longer be a thing. pic.twitter.com/Vw4PYyKltZ
— RELA 𝕏 (@itzzSKL) January 24, 2024
However, the run defense remained a significant concern under Barry’s leadership, ranking 28th in 2023, down from 26th in 2022 and 11th in 2021.
The Packers allowed four teams to rush for over 200 yards against them this season.
JOE BARRY IS GONE! WAR IS OVERRRRR pic.twitter.com/DU0I1Phjai
— Noah Clark (@ClarkRigo) January 24, 2024
After the season-ending playoff loss to the 49ers, LaFleur initially praised the defensive performance as “fantastic.” However, he later expressed a need for more consistency.
Before hiring Barry in 2021, LaFleur had pursued former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who declined and chose to stay at his alma mater.
Barry and LaFleur had previously worked together with the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.
JOE BARRY FIRED pic.twitter.com/MCu2ZfnCzK
— qǝlɐɔ (@EMAWCaleb) January 24, 2024
Barry’s hiring had faced criticism due to his previous stints as a defensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions (2007-08) and Washington Commanders (2015-16), where his defenses ranked between 28th and 32nd in the NFL based on yards allowed.
Joe Barry is no longer the DC for the Green Bay Packers pic.twitter.com/dxDSH5TrMB
— Mike Ro 𝕏 (@nuro_mike) January 24, 2024
LaFleur’s previous interviews for defensive coordinator included Ejiro Evero, Chris Harris, Ryan Nielsen, Chris Kiffin, Matt Burke, Bob Sutton, and Jerry Gray.
Some of these candidates may be reconsidered, though Nielsen has recently been hired as the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator.
Rams defensive passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, who joined LaFleur’s staff in the second half of the 2022 season, could be another potential candidate after being let go by the Lions.
Other candidates who may be considered include Al Harris, Wink Martindale and Leslie Frazier.
Packers No more
season is over Joe Barry pic.twitter.com/1ezwWWH8tI— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) January 24, 2024
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has consistently invested resources on the defensive side of the ball, with seven out of his eight first-round draft picks since taking over being defensive players.
Packers fans:
You really shouldn't celebrate Joe Barry losing his job
Also Packers fans:
pic.twitter.com/KXk1MxMwkF— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) January 24, 2024
What do you think of the Packers decision to fire Barry?
Who do you think they should hire to replace him?
Stepping away from the defense for a second, are you a true believer in Jordan Love?
Will he be a legitimate franchise quarterback for the Packers???