Joe Barry out as Packers defensive coordinator - ESPN

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Joe Barry is out as the Packers' defensive coordinator even after his defense held up well enough to help Green Bay advance to the NFC divisional round of the playoffs.

The move, announced Wednesday by the Packers, came two days after coach Matt LaFleur declined to comment on Barry's job status and said he was «going to go through the process at my own pace.»

«We want to thank Joe for his commitment and contributions to our success the past three seasons,» LaFleur said in a statement released by the team. «These decisions are extremely difficult and Joe is one of the best men I've had the opportunity to work with in this league.»

Barry still could remain on the Packers' staff in some capacity — a possibility that is being discussed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

LaFleur will be on his third defensive coordinator in six seasons when he hires a replacement for Barry, who had one year left on his contract. Barry had been the Packers' defensive coordinator since replacing Mike Pettine in 2021.

Barry appeared to be on thin ice as far back as the 2022 season, when the Packers dropped from ninth overall in total defense to 17th. The Packers also finished 17th in total defense this season but climbed into the top 10 in fewest points allowed.

Run defense, however, was one of Green Bay's major issues under Barry. The Packers were ranked 28th against the run in 2023, down from 26th in 2022 after finishing 11th in 2021. They allowed four teams to rush for more than 200 yards against them in 2023.

The breaking point for Barry might have been a Week 15 home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Baker Mayfield put together a 381-yard, four-touchdown performance in a 34-20 victory at Lambeau Field.

That loss