Thanks Jonathan, I think this is a good way to look at it. Pete Dougherty at packers news.com suggested that a switch to 4-3 might be good, considering that the Packers OLBs are more like 4-3 DEs than OLBs, especially Lukas Van Ness, who is more comfortable starting with his hand on the ground. Also, the Cowboys have a 4-3 base with Micah Parsons as a playmaking linebacker, and Quay Walker might fill that role for the Packers. I know that 4-3 vs. 3-4 doesn't matter as much as it used to because there is so much nickel defense now, as well as other variations. I like the idea though.

I am also wary of most of the retreads and would like to see a new face as our DC.

As long as it's a guy that molds his plan to fit the players he has and gets, not try to make them fit his system regardless.

Like making a right-handed pitcher throw with his left hand depending on the batter. How many switch pitchers are out there?

It would be great to bring someone in with new/fresh ideas and techniques, instead of bringing someone with the same mindset. To move away from the Vic Fangio mindset of keeping everything in front of you and not giving up big plays. College coaches with proven experience and skills.

Excellent article and I agree with most of your points. I don't think it is absolutely necessary to be a great teacher because the DC really doesn't do much of that as it is the position coaches primary job. Barry failed in precisely the way you suggested but we have to ask why? The crazy alignments he trotted out for specific situations seemed ludicrous. Watching TV I could see what was coming half the time. If we can see it and predict the outcome so well, why couldn't he or his staff? Despite all the hate he garners, JB is not a stupid man. Why keep doing those things? Was he directed to? Was he just stubborn? Were the players incapable of anything else?
I suspect that communication and cohesion within his staff was at least partially responsible. Barry never had the latitude to bring in his own staff, maybe it was even beyond him (bad on LeFleur and Packers). Any new DC needs to have a cohesive team of coaches that will enthusiastically roll out, teach and support the direction and game plans of the DC. I would look for the DC who understands the players and their talents and form a defense around strengths. Too often our defense seems to 'turtle' and protect against their own weaknesses. I'd like to see aggression and purpose in the defense, even in failures. I never was upset when the other team makes contested catches or breaks a strong tackle. What infuriated me was the apparent 'softness' of the defense with giant running holes or wide open receivers that merely had to run to a spot and catch the ball.
It just forever seemed like the D was rarely on the same page on what they were doing. A good DC, a good leader can put together an organization and a plan that everyone can enthusiastically support and thrive in.

Teams are starting to hire new Head Coaches who in turn will be filling out their staffs. Whomever LaFleur is thinking about, this just CAN'T be a 2 week process. LaFleur NEEDS to narrow down who he wants quickly, interview them, and get that man hired. Don't get left out in the Green Bay cold LaFleur. You made the decision quickly to fire Barry, now get your ducks in a row and get your dude hired!

Good, thought provoking article Jonathan. I believe it's also important to establish clear and measurable goals and objectives for the new DC.

The 1996 Packers were the number one defense at 13 points per game. The 2010 Packers were the number 2 defense at 15 points per game. Of the 4 remaining playoff teams this year, the top 3 defenses only allow 17 points per game.

We don't just want a good DC, we want a great DC and we need a defense that can hold our opponents to 2 TDs and a FG (17 points or less) per game.

I just hope that whomever the Packers get as their new DC, is that the new DC emphasizes tackling.

“ — Has familiarity with the Fangio style of defense.

— Has familiarity with variations of that defense.

— Has familiarity with other defensive schemes.”

I don’t know man, seems like a tall ask that our new DC have familiarity with defensive schemes. I mean, it’s not like his primary role is executing a defensive scheme in an NFL game or anything like that.

I pulling for Jim Leonhard who learned from Dave Aranda. Jimmy, will run multiple fronts, meaning, 3-4, 3-3-5, 2-4-5, 4-2-5 depending on the opponents strengths. He also keeps things simple in the backfield so players can react quickly and not over think their attack or coverage responsibility. He will play mainly zone, but instead of protecting the area of grass, the defender is responsible for man coverage within his zone. His blitz or rush packages are confusing for opposing offenses.

Lastly, Jimmy is an overachiever while showing excellence in everything he’s done in life. His defenses were top 10 in the country. I firmly believe he will do the same as the Packers DC if hired.

Very well written
What vs who
I surely hope MLF is thinking this way
I agree on young upcoming coaches and suggestions of ILB coach and FA Queen would raise the bar to the next level

I know that everyone wanted Joe Barry out. His defenses were soft. So now we will be on to our 4th DC in 8 years. Could it be that there is more wrong with this side of the ball than the guy strapped to the wheel. All the previous DCs ended up playing a similar style of of sit back in coverage system. Maybe thems the cards you get dealt. We want to play an attack, blitzing style but don't have the players to execute. Did you notice our blitz attempts in San Fran? We didn't even make it into the backfield.

We have a lack of talent on defense despite the high draft spending. We have chronic positional holes that still define the ceiling on this side of the ball. Our D-line doesn't have a stud NT. Our D-line has been trotting out Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, Mike Daniels types for the last decade. Kenny Clark has been the only guy talented enough to be a game changer. And we wonder why we can't stop the run or take over the game in the fourth quarter.

Linebacker is another chronic weakness. At this point, McDuffie may be our best LB. What does that tell you. Safety - well my guitar gently weeps. Gutekunst has not done a good job on this side of the ball. He his locked on high RAS guys who don't play with high processor speed.

We will have trouble getting a stud DC if they examine the talent and still want to put their careers on the line. We end up with DCs who are desperate or last chance candidates.

I applaud Matt LaFleur for making the hard call. He has come into his own. I think that he needs to push Gutekunst to get some better pieces on defense or we will continue to be the Bills of the NFC.

Follow up Jonathon's link (in The Ringer). It is super-instructive about the whole cult of play action.

This is also a very nice piece by Jonathon himself - props to him for it.

To summarise what LaFleur should look for in a DC it is five main things.

1) Does a candidate have a deep understanding of what offenses are trying to do to your defense and can you find answers to that.
2) Can they innovate and keep on innovating as offensive philosophies mutate over time.
3) Can they communicate your defensive system to the players effectively. If you have a complex, wonderfully thought out system that players really struggle to understand, things will not go well.
4) Can they motivate players to be something close to the best they can be.
5) Can they contrive to use players that have some limitations, in ways that minimise what they don't do well, while maximising what they do well.

Well, I have to admit that I am really confused on who we should get to be our DC. I see a lot of good material in the article and the posters have some great ideas as well. I do like the idea of getting someone or at least interviewing someone from the Ravens defense or the 9ers' defense as they are very successful.

I do like two things I have heard and that is tackling and ingame adjustments. We lacked both of those elements in the game. Other than that, I just want us to be successful.

I think this is a great article. Jonathon brings up a whole laundry list of things to consider that I never thought of.

I look back at Barry and really can't understand how a guy can get his players to play so well against some teams, especially good ones like KC and Detroit and then so terrible against other teams. I realize it is scheme but when it is not working, make changes.

Also, the players and LaFleur seemed to like him and most of us were so against him and quite frankly pissed off most of the time.

I spouted on about the lack of talent on this side of the ball and how it impacts our DC search. My ideal defense would have these core traits:

1. Get home rushing 4 (ala San Fran)
2. Fast, physical linebackers who take away the middle of the field
3. Smart, fast safety that dictates the coverage (ala Harrison Smith)

I don't think we have these players. The discussions between DC candidates and HC will be interesting.

While the what matters the who also matters.

One of the reason why LaFleur went with Barry was because he ran the Fangio system. While he did in concept run the Fangio system, it was not Fangio running the system. Some coaches are just better at the job. Some guys are great positional coaches, but not meant to be coordinators. Just like some guys are great coordinators, but not meant to be head coaches.

These are the things that I want from the next DC.

- I want a guy that is versatile. He has a system, but adapts it per the players he has.

- I want him to be able to adjust on the fly to what offenses are doing. That to me was one of the biggest flaws with Barry. He couldn't adjust. He had a game plan and if it worked, great. BUt if it didn't, he didn't do much to adjust.

- I want him to be aggressive. We don't need to blitz down after down, but we need to be able to mix it up and send blitzes to keep offenses guessing.

There are other things, but those are the biggest things I want.

I can't wait to see who they get.

Whoever ML hires to be his DC, make sure the candidate has participated in, and knows how to build a TEAM that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Creativity and flexibility vs being welded to a "scheme". Build a defense that is designed to specifically attack the next opponents strengths.

There is so much planned parity in the NFL...the wild card is coaching. I firmly believe upgrading the coaching on defense for 2024 will have as much, perhaps even more impact than the rapid growth of the Offense under Love and his young receivers.

As Packer fans, the future is so bright, we gotta wear shades!

I thought our defense was above average under Barry, even with all the injuries to key people. I don't think the new guy will do any better, but I'll hope for the best.

Per Matt Schneidman and Dianna Russini -

Former Chargers HC Brandon Staley is interviewing for the Packers vacant DC job.

Me....
---- walks away from keyboard to watch this blow up ----

I'll add another bullet point.

Who does the DC have in mind as Def Assistants?

Perhaps Baylor HC Dave Aranda is ready to move to the NFL. After winning the Big 12 two years ago, his teams have fallen off and a new opportunity as DC of the Packers may be of interest to him.

Dave has a great foundation, high character, great motivator and has demonstrated success coaching defenses. Great story.

Please, please, please - LaFleuzy. Choose a DC that wasn't your college buddy or groomsman in your wedding. Pick a guy that balls w/o regard to acquaintances. Pick a guy with a scheme that scares opponents or at least makes them wonder what they'll see. I've seen many names. NOT Staley, but Leonhard, or how 'bout Vrabel. Now that guy is a tough SOB. Look at Campbell for the Lions. He said they will bite your knee caps off. We need a DC who will not kill the player, but the offense. NOT Staley, please.

Staley?... The Chargers ranked 29th, 21st, and 24th in points allowed over Staley’s three seasons as head coach. And he gave up 63 points to the Raiders. Does MLF not look at what people have done in the past? It seems every hire of his is a failed coach. This is no time for experimenting. Either he brings in someone who has had been part of a successful defense, or MLF should be sent packing; I don't care how well he did this year.

I would bet that Brandon Staley is a done deal.

He meets MLF's two main search criteria- he's an old buddy and he was unsuccessful at his last job.

Let's be clear. Matt Lafleur was and remains ultimately responsible for the defense. Judging by the last several games the defense performed exceptionally well. I think Jaire and even Barry does not get enough credit for what they have done. One thing is certain: Players matter! Granted, it took a long time to get there and progress was not a straight road up. That said, we need to keep what worked under Barry and change the things that didn't. We don't want to throw out the baby with the bathwater. My only criticism of the defense was it sometimes seemed to lack aggressiveness which led to inconsistency. A t the end of the day I am confident in management and coaching to do that which is best for the Packers. My role is easy; it is to be a fan.

Spot on article at LombardiAve

https://lombardiave.com/posts/packers-defensive-coordinator-target-prove...

Staley's Los Angeles Rams ranked 28th in yards allowed per game, 30th against the pass, and 17th against the run this year. They also finished 24th in scoring defense. The Packers ranked 27th in defensive DVOA. The Chargers were only slightly better, finishing 26th.

"It would be an underwhelming move for the Packers and one they must avoid."

Underwhelming is an understatement.

"’ll be talking more about how the Packers need to upgrade at linebacker and safety as we get closer to free agency and the draft, but for now, here is my list of requirements for LaFleur’s D coordinator job posting:

— Has familiarity with the Fangio style of defense.

— Has familiarity with variations of that defense.

— Has familiarity with other defensive schemes.

— Demonstrated flexibility, imagination and willingness to borrow from different approaches to mold a coherent scheme.

— Demonstrated excellence with in-game adjustments.

— Demonstrated excellence developing players into difference makers.

— Great teaching and communication skills.

— Demonstrated positivity but able to hold your players, coaches and yourself accountable.

— A culture fit with the Packers.

— A fit with the head coach. "

Find a guy like that and I will vote for him for President.

Been seeing Mike Zimmer name being bounced around as possible next DC for Packers. What you think, me personally no chance in hell.

Though I've never run an NFL franchise, I've hired for teams. My biggest mistakes have been hiring a solid resume that didn't fit my culture. I thought myself clever hiring disrupters. That thinking inevitably blew up. LaFleur deserves to hire the guy that he feels most comfortable with, that also fits with his team. He's team building from a thousand foot perspective. He got stuck with Pettine (who I liked), and Barry was reportedly not his first choice (and he also had to appease AR in every damn decision).

He didn't fire Barry in a vacuum. He has people in mind, and a really great job to offer. I'm banking on this being a home run.

If it's Staley, we roll with Staley. Go Pack Go.

I have to admit I pondered way back when we were all questioning the sanity of Capers, then Patunia, is it the coaches or the talent level of the guys they are coaching? I remember reading a Ketchum article as to why the Packers are a 3 4 defense and his answer surprised me. Made sense but I wouldnt have thought it. Ketchum said the packers play a 3-4 because its cheaper then a 4-3, the later uses defensive ends. His other point, the good DE's are all in the early first round and arent cheap. Using linebackers to rush in a 3-4 scheme is more affordable.
This is going to be a big issue in finding the right coach. What kind of a D does he want versus what kind does the org want to pay for. Thus, we can all name some names but many of those wont even talk to the Packers knowing the kind of defense were trying to field.
Ya LeFleur does have a tough task ahead for sure. Things have to change, and the new d scheme may require some of our current players be cut because they cant hack it. So be it. Got to improve on defense, thats top priority going forward.

Packers have interviewed Staley, never saw that coming after his failures.

Please, please...no Brandon Staley.

Per Rapoport:
The Packers have interviewed rising Broncos DBs coach Christian Parker for their vacant defensive coordinator job, source said. Just 32 years old, Parker has impressed.

Per Mike Garafolo:
The Packers requested permission to interview Bills LB coach Bobby Babich for their defensive coordinator job, source says. Babich, who recently interviewed with the Giants for the same role, will meet with Green Bay.

Also:
Green Bay, the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta have sought permission to speak to Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde, per multiple sources. He has been with the team since 2021, having spent 5 years with Dan Quinn in Atlanta, where he also worked with new coach Raheem Morris.

Joe Barry set to interview with the Bears 🤣

Aaron Jones was the 1st 100 yd rusher vs the 49ers in like 3 years. Thats what I want.....a defense that controls the line of scrimmage ALL THE TIME