Matt LaFleur, the coach of the Green Bay Packers, isn’t ready to make a long term decision regarding his defense’s future just yet.
During his final press conference of the season on Monday, LaFleur refrained from making any broad statements regarding the fate of defensive coordinator Joe Barry in the Packers.
LaFleur told The Athletic, “I’m just going to go through the process at my own pace.”
This season, Barry’s situation has been a major discussion topic in Green Bay due to miscommunication, bad decisions, especially on third downs, and missed plays, all of which are signs of an inconsistent season.
Barry appeared to be in trouble as the coordinator after his team was outplayed by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in Week 15 and almost defeated by Bryce Young in Carolina in Week 16. However, the Pack recovered to qualify for the postseason. Then, at Dallas’ home track, the defense dominated Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, narrowly missing in San Francisco.
It remains to be seen if Barry’s job is saved by the powerful end.
“I know there’s going to be a lot of long-term, big-picture questions. I’m not there yet, fellas,” LaFleur said in anticipation of questions about Barry. “We’re just starting the process. I gave everybody off yesterday. I came in yesterday and watched the tape, all three phases, but we’re just getting into the evaluation portion right now. So probably not going to have many answers for you guys. Haven’t met with any of our coaches yet. That’ll start this afternoon. Certainly meet with the coordinators and then go down with all the position coaches.”
It remains to be seen if Barry’s position will be maintained for another season by the postseason rise or if LaFluer will look elsewhere for a new voice due to his problems throughout the regular season.