Matt LaFleur Issues Statement On Joe Barry’s Departure

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers parted ways with Joe Barry.

He was the team’s defensive coordinator since 2021.

Unfortunately, the team’s defense regressed every year under his tutelage, especially when it came to stopping the run.

Barry was on the hot seat since the 2022 season, so this was far from a surprise.

That’s why HC Matt LaFleur released a statement thanking him for everything he did for the organization, calling him one of the best men he’s had the opportunity to work with in the league (via Ryan Wood).

“We want to thank Joe for his commitment and contributions to our success the past three seasons. These decisions are extremely difficult and Joe is one of the best men I’ve had the opportunity to work with in this league,” Lafleur said.

#Packers announce Joe Barry’s departure.

Matt LaFleur: “We want to thank Joe for his commitment and contributions to our success the past three seasons. These decisions are extremely difficult and Joe is one of the best men I’ve had the opportunity to work with in this league.”

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 24, 2024

The Packers have many former first-round picks on the defensive side of the field.

They got it together in the playoffs to contain the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, two of the most prominent offenses in the league, and they did it on the road, which is twice as impressive.

However, that wasn’t enough for Barry to hold onto his job any longer, and it became more than evident that something had to change at some point.

The Packers have the potential to have a championship-caliber defense.

They have two elite playmakers in the secondary, like Jaire Alexander and Darnell Savage, as well as a combination of youth and experience.

This team overachieved at the end of the season, proving to be far ahead of schedule and much better than expected.

Hopefully, whoever takes the reins of the defense will be able to finally make the most of their untapped potential and take them to the next level.

The post Matt LaFleur Issues Statement On Joe Barry’s Departure appeared first on The Cold Wire.