Joe Barry Fired as Packers DC After NFL Playoff Loss to 49ers

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers are the latest team to make a change to their coaching staff.

Green Bay announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Joe Barry will not return to the Packers for the 2024 season after serving in the position for the past three years. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the decision.

The Packers defense was a middling unit that allowed 335.1 yards and 20.6 points per game this season. The team struggled against the run in particular, ranking 28th in the league with an average of 128.3 yards allowed. Green Bay’s inconsistencies throughout the year led many to question Barry’s status going forward.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Barry’s future with the team during Monday’s season-ending press conference and he was non-committal.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of long-term, big-picture questions. I’m not there yet, fellas,” LaFleur said at the time. “We’re just starting the process. I gave everybody off yesterday. I came in yesterday and watched the tape, all three phases, but we’re just getting into the evaluation portion right now. So probably not going to have many answers for you guys. Haven’t met with any of our coaches yet. That’ll start this afternoon. Certainly meet with the coordinators and then go down with all the position coaches.”

Barry is a longtime assistant in the NFL who began coaching in the league in 2000. He held positions on coaching staffs with the San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams.

Now, LaFleur will commence his search to find Barry’s replacement as the Packers gear up to make another playoff run in 2024.