The Green Bay Packers have appointed Joe Barry as their next defensive coordinator.
Barry was one of nine well-known candidates for the job and technically came through the Los Angeles Chargers to the Packers. However, he was only a little over two weeks with the Chargers after joining the team as a member of Brandon Staley’s staff when Staley was appointed as the team’s head coach.
Previously, Barry was a member of the Los Angeles Rams staff and served under Staley as the team’s linebacker coach, while also working as the Rams’ assistant head coach.
Barry also previously worked as a defense coordinator. He was in this capacity for the Lions from 2007-08 and from 2015-16 for the Washington Football Team. His teams were not impressive during his two Tests as coordinator: he never led a defense that finished better than the 28th place in the league in the meter allowed, or higher than the 17th score.
However, Barry is probably talented in a better situation than ever before. Between Jaire Alexander, Kenny Clark, Za’Darius Smith, Darnell Savage and Rashan Gary, the Packers have an exciting and talented core and can flourish under the right guidance to a very promising unit.
The news of the Packers’ selection was first reported by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
Barry’s relationship with Sean McVay and Brandon Staley – who is considered one of the brightest in the business – also speaks volumes about his abilities. Although he has not necessarily shone in big occasions before, two valued coaches wanted him – although it should be noted that McVay transferred him twice when choosing a defensive coordinator. Maybe the third time is the charm. The Packers are counting on it.