Joe Barry, a former defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, Gets Hired by a New Aaron Rodgers Rival.
The decision made by the Green Bay Packers to let go of Joe Barry has been met with almost as much support from supporters as the team’s first hiring of him. The Packers’ defence struggled for three years in spite of having eight first-round picks, and head coach Matt LaFleur eventually realised something had to change.
The Packers brought on Jeff Hafley, the head coach at Boston College, to replace Barry. Jerry Montgomery, the defensive line coach for the Packers, was among the defensive coaches let go as a result of his hire. After being hired in 2015, Montgomery had the record for the longest stay of any coach in Green Bay. However, he just accepted a position with the New England Patriots.
With his firing in Green Bay, Barry’s career as an NFL defensive coordinator came to an end after three unsuccessful stints. In the past, he had steered the defences of the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions to below-average standings and numerous defeats.
However, because of his work with linebackers, Barry is still regarded as a respected figure in NFL coaching circles. Since he has guided multiple linebackers to Pro Bowl seasons, he is regarded as one of the NFL’s best linebacker coaches.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network claimed early on Tuesday morning that Barry had secured a new role with a different organisation. The Miami Dolphins have hired him as their run game coordinator and linebackers coach:
Naturally, Barry will see former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice a year while serving as the Dolphins’ coach. The New York Jets and Dolphins are both members of the AFC East.
Barry’s hiring as their run game coordinator is “interesting,” but it is not shocking that he was given a position coaching the linebackers. More 200+ yard running games were allowed by the Packers defence last season than by any other NFL team.
Actually, the Packers’ rushing defence was among the WORST in the NFL last season, giving up 128.3 running yards per game. Miami’s run defence, on the other hand, ranked seventh in the league. Vic Fangio, the defensive coordinator that Barry modelled his strategy after in Green Bay, was amicably fired by the Dolphins earlier this offseason. Fangio joined the Philadelphia Eagles as their defensive coordinator.
Barry might get along well with the linebackers in Miami, but given his track record in that role in Green Bay, it is doubtful that he will be an effective run game coordinator. Over the course of his three seasons, the Packers’ run defence deteriorated:
