Packers fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry, source confirms

The Green Bay Packers have fired troubled defensive coordinator Joe Barry, a source confirmed to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The firing came two days after Packers head coach Matt LaFleur declined to comment on Barry's professional status and said he was “going to take the process at my own pace.”

The Packers struggled defensively in their third season under Barry, finishing tied for 17th in total defense and 28th in rushing defense in 2023.

Barry was heavily scrutinized after a Week 15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who scored 34 points and gained 452 yards of offense in Green Bay. LaFleur supported Barry at the time, saying he would not make any defensive coaching changes during the season.

The Packers followed that up with another defensive misfire in their Week 16 win over the lowly Carolina Panthers, who scored a season-high 30 points and racked up 394 yards of total offense.

NFL Network first reported the Packers' decision to fire Barry on Wednesday.

Barry, who was hired in 2021 to replace Mike Pettine, was also criticized last season largely because of the Packers' inability to stop the run.

Barry has worked as an assistant coach in the NFL since 2000 and served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (2007-08) and Washington Commanders (2015-16).