Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed he is expecting Joe Barry to return as his defensive coordinator in 2023.
“That’s what I anticipate, yes,” LaFleur said Monday. “I don’t really anticipate a whole lot, if any, staff changes at all.”
LaFleur said he hasn’t sat down with any of his coaches individually to discuss the future, but that process will begin this week.
Barring something unforeseen, Barry will get a third season coaching the Packers defense in 2023.
The Packers defense finished 17th in the NFL in points allowed (21.8), 28th in yards allowed per play (5.8) and 23rd in scoring percentage (38.2) during the 2022 season. Green Bay gave up the same amount of points (371) as 2021 but regressed in terms of yards per game, yards per play, scoring percentage and takeaways in 2022.
LaFleur said the Packers defense started “to improve as the year went on” and the defense developed “more of an identity” down the stretch. He is also prioritizing continuity within the coaching staff as a pillar of success moving forward.
“I do believe in the people, not only in the locker room, but our the coaching staff,” LaFleur said. “It’s my intention to try and have everybody back. I think continuity is a big part of having success in this league. When you feel good about the people, then you gotta work to improve. We have to challenge each other.
LaFleur said the Packers will have more “projects” this offseason in terms of studying other teams and trends around the league.
“You have to try and stay in front of everything. We certainly didn’t do that this year,” LaFleur.
The Packers allowed 20 or fewer points in each of the final five games of 2022. Green Bay gave up 27 or more in six games and finished 1-5 in those games.
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