The Green Bay Packers relieved defensive coordinator Joe Barry of his duties on Wednesday morning. Head coach Matt LaFleur will now lead a search for Barry's successor. The Packers' defense did not perform to expectations throughout the 2023 campaign despite winning a playoff game.
Despite making a ton of investments in the defensive line and at linebacker across recent drafts, Green Bay's defense ranked 28th in rushing this season (128.3/game). The Packers ranked 17th in total yards allowed (335.1). There's certainly room for improvement.
Working alongside LaFleur should be desirable. The Packers possess a young roster that will have postseason aspirations again in 2024. We've identified three potential replacements for Barry.
JERRY GRAY, FALCONS ASSISTANT HC
Jerry Gray spent three campaigns (2020-22) as LaFleur's defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. Gray and LaFleur have maintained a good relationship since his departure. Gray accepted an offer to become the Atlanta Falcons' assistant head coach, where he currently remains under contract.
But the Falcons dismissed Arthur Smith, who initially hired Gray. Indications are the Falcons are going to hire a defensive-minded head coach like Bill Belichick or Raheem Morris. Once a changing of the guard is confirmed, it would qualify as surprising if Gray kept his position in Atlanta.
Gray will be a popular defensive coordinator candidate around the league. Gray helped Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander qualify for two Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2022. It wouldn't be shocking if Gray rejoined forces with LaFleur and many of the players who still sing his praises in Titletown.
EJIRO EVERO, PANTHERS DC
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is receiving in-house head coaching interest from his current club. Ejero is also scheduled to receive second and in-person interviews with the Falcons and Seattle Seahawks for their respective head coaching vacancies. If Evero fails to land one of those jobs, he'll immediately become a desirable candidate for multiple defensive coordinator openings around the league.
Evero previously interviewed for Green Bay's defensive coordinator opening in 2021 when the job initially went to Barry. There's history between LaFleur and Evero, who spent the 2017 season working together under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.
CHRIS HARRIS, TITANS DEFENSIVE PASS GAME COORDINATOR
Tennessee Titans defensive passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Chris Harris is largely viewed as one of the league's most ascending coaches. A former Second-Team All-Pro, Harris recently interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears for their defensive coordinator openings. Expect Harris to also interview with the Packers, where he too interviewed for the same role in 2021.
LaFleur was a visionary who realized Harris would soon receive league-wide interest. With Mike Vrabel no longer in Tennessee, Harris is unlikely to return to the Titans in 2024. LaFleur would be wise to add Harris to his coaching staff before another quality head coach beats him to it.
