With Joe Barry unable to save his job, the Packers are now looking for their third defensive coordinator of the Matt LaFleur era. LaFleur has now canned both Barry and Mike Pettine during the 2020s.
The Packers nearly changed Ejiro Evero‘s career path in 2021, choosing Barry over the then-Rams defensive backs coach — who had worked with LaFleur on McVay’s staff in 2017. Then-Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard was believed to be LaFleur’s top choice at that point. While LaFleur may not be closing off the Sean McVay pipeline, one of the Rams leader’s better-known assistants will not be considered for the Packers job.
[RELATED: 2024 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker]
Brandon Staley is not on Green Bay’s radar, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky. The first Chargers HC dismissed in-season since Kevin Gilbride in 1998, Staley has not been connected to any head coaching or defensive coordinator opening since that December firing. Staley rocketed to the HC radar in 2020, using the Rams’ DC post to reach that place. Previously, he had resided as outside linebackers coach for two teams — the Bears and Broncos — under Vic Fangio. The Fangio scheme’s present popularity aside, Staley has yet to receive an interview.
LaFleur also worked with Aubrey Pleasant back in 2017, during his season as Rams OC, and hired him following a Lions dismissal in 2022. Demovsky mentions the veteran staffer as a possible candidate. The team is also believed to have been impressed by Chris Harris in 2021; Harris, who spent this season as the Titans’ DBs coach, is back on the DC radar following the Titans’ firing of Mike Vrabel. Jerry Gray, who served as a Packers assistant from 2020-22, also could be a candidate, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds. A Gray and Barry philosophical disagreement led the former out of town in 2023; Gray spent this season on the Falcons’ staff. With 2023 Atlanta DC Ryan Nielsen taking over in Jacksonville, it is possible Gray would follow.
The Packers are allowing defensive assistants to explore opportunities, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, but it is unclear if the team would allow lateral moves to take place at this point. It still looks like their defensive staff makeup will come down to what their next DC prefers, as should be expected.
“…It still looks like their defensive staff makeup will come down to what their next DC prefers, as should be expected.” Unless you’re the DC in Tennessee, where not only does your DC NOT decide his staff, neither does the HC. That’s left up to the GM, who’s never coached before. He’s carrying out the micromanaging style his franchise’s owner foolishly wants. You poor Titans fans, how I feel for you. I hope you don’t have to wait as long as us Browns fans have had to wait for our owner(s) to get their heads out of their butts (which arguably hasn’t completely happened).
Still better than Tepper’s Panthers
Good riddance
So would Jim Leonard still be a possibility?
What has he proven to be seriously considered for the job? I’m not totally against the guy. I get that he played for the Badgers and had some NFL success. I want to see some of the attitude that the Steelers and Ravens defenses brought back in the day. Who is available that can bring that to town?
What hasn’t he done? Besides not being a retread 60+ year old career assistant, washed up former HC/DC, or from the McVay coaching tree?
Well you get no argument from me there Al! Hoping MF takes a serious look in the mirror and asks if he should think outside his box this time and maybe try someone that challenges his style in a way that potentially makes them both better. Bring a little swagger in.
Supposedly Jimmy was his first choice before hiring Barry. So we might also need to hope he’s not petty over JL choosing to stay at wisconsin at that time. And of course if JL is now open to the idea of coaching in the pros and being further from home and all that junk.