When the Green Bay Packers fired Joe Barry as defensive coordinator, fans in Cheese Country cried.
Barry’s defense was disappointing. Especially considering the talent of the group in the first positions. So I totally understand why there was a backlash when the news broke. But now, when I see reports that the Chicago Bears are recruiting Joe Barry to interview for one of Matt Eberflus’ open positions, I have an uneasy feeling in my gut. . “Athlete” Dianna Russini: Update (10:03 a.m.) – I think it’s going to hurt.
NFL Network’s Jane Slater added that Barry will interview for the defensive coordinator position. Perhaps this is one of the Bears’ moves to seek advice and information on the opponent’s former coach. Still, the Packers fired their coordinator on Monday, so it’s awkward to think the Bears would move so quickly to interview him. Math is not math, my friends. Barry served as the Packers’ defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023.
He previously worked with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-2020, head coach and linebackers coach) and previously with Washington (defensive coordinator, 2015-16) and San Diego (linebackers coach (2012-14)). Barry also has professional coaching experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (linebackers coach, 2001-06, 2009), Detroit Lions (defensive coordinator, 2007-08) and San Francisco 49ers (2000). Notably, Barry’s father-in-law is Rod Marinelli, and the two coached with the Lions in 2007 and 2008. As you may recall, Marinelli and Bears coach Matt Eberflus have a connection dating back to their days with the Dallas Cowboys.
When you find context for this interview, it might be helpful to connect a few dots. Russini’s tweet suggested Barry was interviewing for a staff position. If Barry had discussed the defensive coordinator position, Russini would have clarified. The Bears may want to give Barry a different role. Maybe they want to see the Packers talk about what they’re doing. There are many layers to this process and I will highlight a few to help you understand them all. Joe Barry #1 (Photo by Scott Thatch/Getty Images) I don’t think I like Joe Barry as a Bears prospect.
Statistically, Joe Barry’s defense was terrible. He is 10th in points allowed and 17th in yards allowed. However, Green Bay has the 6th worst defensive DVOA in football. By comparison, the Bears were 17-10 better than the Packers last year. To drive my point home, the Packers defense ranked 25th in DVOA last year and 17th in points and yardage. Maybe Barry has a coaching position. But as a defensive coordinator, I’d be wary of bringing him on board. Finally, when I think about why the Bears are interviewing Barry, I can’t stop thinking about how they let the former Packers offensive line coach go.
Mostly, I’m trying to understand why they want to put Green Bay’s defensive coordinator in a certain role. Maybe the Bears should stop hiring the existing Packers coach (remember when they brought in Mike Petty as a senior defensive assistant?) and focus on finding a coach who can beat Green Bay.
