Amid a brutally disappointing stretch for the defense, head coach Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers could look to fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
Whether it is at season's end, or in the coming days, it would appear that Barry's days calling plays for the Packers' defense could be numbered.
Barry became a lightning rod in recent weeks, as Green Bay dropped consecutive games in New York against the Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers while allowing 58 points combined in those contests. The Packers rank 22nd in the NFL in total defense, allowing 349.9 yards per game.
There are several marquee candidates who could become available at season's end who might wind up being ideal fits for LaFleur's staff and Green Bay's personnel.
Here's a look at five possible long-term replacements for Joe Barry as Packers defensive coordinator:
Brandon Staley, Former Chargers Head Coach
After being summarily dismissed as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, a defensive coordinator role might be Staley's logical next step. Staley and LaFleur are both former assistant coaches under Sean McVay and share very similar defensive philosophies. Deploying a multiple scheme, Staley thrives in stopping the run and allowing safeties to play in deep coverage, which could make his system adaptable for success with the Packers' personnel. The combination of a scheme that has taken root across the league and LaFleur's prior relationship with Staley could make the 41-year-old one of Green Bay's top candidates.
Robert Saleh, Jets Head Coach
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The Jets have been a tale of two sides of the football headed in opposite directions in 2023. New York's swarming defense has done everything it can to keep the Jets competitive, thanks in part to a collection of young and elite personnel and an aggressive scheme. Meanwhile, since Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles tendon on the fourth snap of the 2023 campaign, the Jets' offense has somehow seemingly traced new ground of ineptitude each week. Saleh's insistence on playing quarterback Zach Wilson could possibly wind up costing him his job at season's end. If Saleh becomes available, expect LaFleur to aggressively try to bring him to Green Bay, both because of his track record of guiding top-tier defenses and a strong prior relationship.
Patrick Graham, Raiders Defensive Coordinator
Patrick Graham has developed a reputation as a blitz-crazed defensive coordinator who consistently gets the most out of his players. The Raiders are allowing just 6.6 yards per pass attempt this season, despite lacking premier talent in the secondary, have logged 36 sacks, and opponents are averaging only 4.3 yards per carry on the ground. If the Raiders do not retain interim head coach Antonio Pierce and there is a new staff in Vegas, Graham could become available. Graham has interviewed for several head coaching jobs the past two cycles, but for the Packers his pressure-oriented scheme and ability to foster strong chemistry among his players could be exactly what LaFleur needs to elevate Green Bay's defense.
Jim Leonhard, University of Illinois Senior Analyst
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Leonhard very nearly locked down the Packers' defensive coordinator job that ultimately went to Barry, thanks to his successful tenure at the University of Wisconsin. Currently an analyst on the University of Illinois staff, Leonhard's scheme is predicated on winning up front and emphasizes linemen using stunts and games to create pressure when sending only four. When Leonhard does send extra pressure, it allows the secondary to play man, which should fit the Packers' personnel on the back-end quite well.
Don "Wink" Martindale, Giants Defensive Coordinator
Few coordinators enjoy sending extra pressure or consistently draw up more exotic blitz packages than Don "Wink" Martindale. Martindale has done a masterful job getting the most out of the Giants' personnel the past two seasons. However, multiple reports have suggested significant strife between Martindale and Giants head coach Brian Daboll. If the Giants move on from Martindale at season's end, importing his pressure-oriented scheme just might completely overhaul the Packers' fortunes on defense.
