The Green Bay Packers made the ever-popular decision to remove defensive coordinator Joe Barry after the defence failed to improve significantly yet again. With eight past first-round picks on its current roster, the Packers’ defence has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. Unfortunately, Barry was either unable or unwilling to employ the players in ways that maximized their potential.
Barry, for his part, has interviews arranged with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears coaching staffs. He is quite unlikely to be selected for any of the few defensive coordinator roles that remain open.
Meanwhile, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur faces the challenge of appointing his third defensive coordinator in six seasons. When he first arrived in 2019, he retained Mike McCarthy’s longtime assistant, Mike Pettine. When Pettine’s contract was not renewed, he attempted to hire then-Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, but hired Barry when Leonhard elected to remain in Madison.
Needless to say, LaFleur’s next pick must be a solid one, as he has already faced criticism for his hiring procedures. Many believe he is overly devoted to people he considers pals in NFL coaching circles, and the recent report out of Green Bay will do little to alleviate those concerns.
The Green Bay Packers are interviewing Brandon Staley for their Defensive Coordinator position.
Despite previous indications that Staley would not be a top contender for the Packers’ defensive coordinator position, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic claimed on X (previously Twitter) that Green Bay is interviewing LaFleur’s pal and the man who taught Barry how to run a Fangio-style defence:
Staley was the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator in 2020 before taking over as head coach of the Chargers. It was the only year in his career that he worked as a coordinator. Previously, he coached linebackers for the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos.
Staley went 24-24 in the regular season as the Chargers’ head coach, and his club lost the sole playoff game they played during his tenure.
Will the Green Bay Packers hire Brandon Staley?
As previously stated, Staley was not considered a leading candidate for the Packers’ defensive coordinator role. That is not to say that he would not be considered at all, or even offered an interview. His brief stint as defensive coordinator with the Rams impressed many front offices, and he is now one of the more well-known names on the market.
The question is whether LaFleur wants to remain with Fangio’s defence or attempt something fresh. Staley runs a strategy that is remarkably similar to Barry’s in Green Bay, which frustrated many fans and, to a lesser extent, players.
Barry has barely been out of work for two days, and Staley is the first person to be mentioned as interviewing to replace him. There will be many more interviews, and Staley may find another position before the Packers even finish their process.
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