The Los Angeles Rams have taken the first step toward replacing Wade Phillips. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Sean McVay is meeting with linebackers coach Joe Barry about the vacancy at defensive coordinator.
It’s assumed that Barry is one of the top candidates for the job, having worked with McVay in the past and currently holding the position as assistant head coach. However, as Rapoport notes, Barry also has an opportunity to become the USC Trojans defensive coordinator, if he doesn’t get the job with the Rams.
#Rams LB coach and assistant head coach Joe Barry is speaking with coach Sean McVay today about the vacant defensive coordinator job, source said. If Barry doesn’t get it, he also likely has an opportunity to become USC’s defensive coordinator.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2020
Barry has twice been a defensive coordinator: With the Lions from 2007-2008 and the Redskins from 2015-2016, when McVay was working on the offensive side of the ball.
Not once, however, did his team rank in the top half of the league in points or yards allowed. In fact, each season as defensive coordinator, his team finished either 28th or 32nd in the NFL in points allowed.
McVay reportedly wants more say on defense, so perhaps promoting Barry from within will give him that chance rather than hiring another veteran coach like Phillips was.
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