The Green Bay Packers have fired Joe Barry, their former defensive coordinator. Brandon Staley, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, is the leading candidate so far. There are several more applicants vying for the position. However, Staley’s name is not only the largest, but also the most intriguing for this position.
Barry and Staley were also part of Sean McVay’s coaching tree, which makes this a potentially interesting hire.
Sean McVay may not have gotten the Rams back to the Super Bowl in a while, but his assistants have. In his seven seasons as head coach, McVay has seen five assistant coaches become NFL head coaches and another five become coordinators.
If the Green Bay Packers hire Brandon Staley, the Packer supporters may face even more nightmares.
If the Green Bay Packers hire Brandon Staley, Joe Barry’s career may not be over.
The greatest nightmare for Packers fans might come true if the Packers demote Joe Barry in favor of Staley and keep Barry as a defensive assistant, like they did in 2020 with the Los Angeles Rams.
Barry was set to join Staley in his transfer to the Chargers, but Packers coach Matt LaFleur offered him the role of defensive coordinator instead, which he accepted. With Staley now interviewing for Barry’s former job, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers kept Barry around to maintain some chemistry among the younger players of the squad as Staley tries to improve a defense that has failed terribly against the league’s top half.
Because of Barry and Staley’s history, what you see on the field may not change significantly from previous seasons.
If Barry is demoted to a defensive assistant job under Staley, it may be beneficial for him, but the question remains: is Brandon Staley the guy to push the Packers over the brink and return to the Super Bowl? No, he appears to be a transitional coach who failed to win with the Chargers, despite having another top-10 quarterback in Justin Herbert.
As previously stated, the Packers are considering two or three other applicants for the position. Staley is joined by Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde, Buffalo Bills linebacker coach Bobby Babich, and Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker.
The Packers should make a choice shortly on who to appoint as defensive coordinator and who will be able to assist Jordan Love on the defensive side of the ball.
