Packers make major change to coaching staff

Aug 9, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers exceeded expectations this season by reaching the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, but that does not mean they will be sticking with the status quo in 2024.

The Packers will not bring back defensive coordinator Joe Barry next season, according to multiple reports.

There were major questions about Green Bay’s defense after the team’s 6-8 start, and it looked at one point like Barry might not even survive the season. Barry’s seat was at its warmest when the Packers gave up 30 points in Week 16 to the lowly Carolina Panthers, but they won that game 33-30. Green Bay then closed out the season with two more victories to make the playoffs at 9-8.

Barry’s defense looked dialed in against the Dallas Cowboys in the opening round of the postseason. The Packers jumped out to a 27-0 lead (thanks in part to a pick-six) in their stunning blowout win at AT&T Stadium. They also played fairly well defensively in their 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round last Saturday.

None of it was enough for Barry to save his job. Head coach Matt LaFleur obviously feels there were too many issues on the defensive side of the ball, and he is hoping a new coordinator can fix them.

Barry, 53, spent three seasons as defensive coordinator in Green Bay. He was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams for four seasons prior to that.