The made the ever-popular decision to fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry after the defense, once again, failed to make any significant improvements. With eight former first round picks on its current roster, the Packers’ defense has the talent to be one of the top units in the NFL. Unfortunately, Barry either was not able to or refused to use the players in ways which brought out their bestFor Barry’s part, he is currently for positions on the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears’ coaching staffs. It is very unlikely that he would be considered for any of the few defensive coordinator positions that are still open.
Meanwhile, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur faces that task of hiring his third defensive coordinator in six seasons. When he was first hired in 2019, he kept Mike McCarthy holdover Mike Pettine on staff. When Pettine’s contract was not renewed, he first tried to hire then Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, but hired Barry when Leonhard decided to stay in Madison.
Needless to say, this next hire has got to be a good one for LaFleur, who has come under heavy criticism for his hiring practices in the past. Many worry that he is too loyal to those he considers friends in NFL coaching circles, and the latest report out of Green Bay won’t do much to quell those worries.
