The Green Bay Packers are making a change to their coaching staff.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelisserro is reporting that the Packers have fired defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
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On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that he was undecided on whether Barry would return.
“I know there’s going to be a lot of long-term, big-picture questions. I’m not there yet, fellas,” LaFleur told reporters before being asked about Barry. “We’re just starting the process. I gave everybody off yesterday. I came in yesterday and watched the tape, all three phases, but we’re just getting into the evaluation portion right now. So probably not going to have many answers for you guys. Haven’t met with any of our coaches yet. That’ll start this afternoon. Certainly, meet with the coordinators and then go down with all the position coaches.”
The Packers surpassed expectations in 2023 as they lost in heartbreaking fashion to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round.
However, their defense was suspect throughout the season ranking 17th in total yards allowed per game (335.1 yards per game) and 23rd in takeaways (18).
Despite this, some Packers veterans voiced their support of Barry.
“I let them handle all that stuff, coach and everybody else. Love Joe B., love the work that we’ve put in,” defensive tackle Kenny Clark said. “We’ve been through a lot this year as a team, as a defense, whatever you may call it. Got nothing but respect for how we all just handled it and stuck it out and pulled it all together.”
Barry had been with the Packers as defensive coordinator since 2021.
