The Los Angeles Rams interviewed Joe Barry for their defensive coordinator vacancy after parting ways with Wade Phillips, but they decided to go in a different direction by hiring Brandon Staley. Barry was also in contention for USC’s defensive coordinator position, but he has turned down that opportunity to stay with the Rams.
Barry has re-signed with Los Angeles to remain the team’s linebackers coach and assistant head coach.
Rams LB coach Joe Barry turned down offer to become USC defensive coordinator and will remain with Rams, a person with knowledge of the situation said.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) January 17, 2020
This is excellent news for the Rams, who were in danger of losing Barry after not giving him the defensive coordinator job. Having to replace another coach would’ve been a challenge, already needing to find a new running backs coach and special teams coordinator after Skip Peete and John Fassel both went to Dallas.
In addition to hiring Staley as his defensive coordinator, Sean McVay also brought aboard Kevin O’Connell as the Rams’ offensive coordinator.