In a move that aligns with the wishes of many Green Bay Packers fans, defensive coordinator Joe Barry will not be returning to the team for the upcoming season, as reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. This decision comes after a season in which the Packers secured a playoff spot and won a postseason game.
Last offseason, Coach Matt LaFleur’s decision to retain Barry, despite the team’s failure to make the playoffs, was met with skepticism from fans. This time around, with the Packers’ playoff success, the organization has opted for a change, acknowledging the concerns raised by fans regarding Barry’s defensive strategies.
The Packers experienced defensive struggles throughout the season, evident in games where opposing quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and rookie Bryce Young had notable performances. Despite a late-season improvement, the defense faced challenges, culminating in a game-winning drive by the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Statistically, the Packers ranked 27th in defensive DVOA this past season, a slight decline from their 25th position the previous season. Despite investing in defensive talent through first-round picks and having star players like cornerback Jaire Alexander, the team failed to meet expectations on the defensive side.
With the departure of Joe Barry, the Packers are poised to secure a top-tier defensive coordinator to harness the defensive talent at their disposal. As the team continues its upward trajectory, marked by a strong finish to the season and the emergence of quarterback Jordan Love, Coach LaFleur has recognized the need for defensive improvement. The upcoming season brings the promise of increased upside if the new defensive coordinator can extract more from the defensive unit.
