The Green Bay Packers are at [yet another] crossroads as they near the end of the 2023 NFL season. Their embarrassing 34-20 loss at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has dropped them to 6-8. The good news, however, is that if they win their remaining three games, they have a 93% chance of making the NFL Playoffs.
The bad news, though, is that this team, particularly the defense, has shown that they are susceptible to losing to just about anyone. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry, once again, came under fire after his defense allowed 14 big plays while playing primarily a soft zone. Some even wondered if the loss spelled the end of his run as the Packers defensive coordinator.
On Monday, though, head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that Barry would remain the Packers defensive coordinator and play caller for the remainder of the season. He added that he would be taking a bigger role in the defensive room, however, in an effort to solve whatever communication issues are occurring between Barry and his players.
Related: Pat McAfee Show Shreds Joe Barry After Packers Loss to Bucs
The announcement, albeit not surprising, garnered mixed reactions from Packers fans.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Joe Barry Being Able to Finish the Year as Defensive Coordinator
As much as it may be clear that the Packers should not retain Barry for the long-term, some fans realized that the decision to keep Barry for the rest of the season is not a good indictment on the rest of the defensive coaching staff. If Barry were fired, one of them would have to take over in an interim role. Obviously, LaFleur does not think anyone on staff can do better:
By keeping Barry around through the end of the year I get the feeling that MLF doesn’t think there’s anyone on the staff capable of taking over the duties and will be relieving the entire defense coaching department of their duties after the season.
— Todd (@thetoddv) December 18, 2023
This is the point, there are only 3 games left in the regular season, who realistically is gonna play call if Barry is fired? You’re not gonna make a brand new hire and have a whole new scheme integrated in a week. Playoffs were always gonna be a lofty goal with a young team https://t.co/k4wtxGW6jh
— JOE PEARSON (@Iowa_Joe86) December 18, 2023
Other fans, though, are angry that Barry is going to be able to finish the season:
Keeping your friend as DC over a playoff spot is not the wisest choice, IMO https://t.co/pFUDorfgwf
— Brewers Offseason Mode (@BrewersRaptor) December 18, 2023
LaFleur saying “hopefully we learn from it and don’t do it two weeks in a row” talking about defensive play calling. My man it’s been 3 years of this.
— Jimmy Christensen (@Jimmy_C08) December 18, 2023
I think they’re gonna give Barry a chance to win that job in 2024 based on how LaFleur talked about the situation. Right or wrong they’re putting a lot on players, which should at least fall on the assistant coaches.
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) December 18, 2023
Joe Barry will be the DC for (at least) the rest of the season, per Coach LaFleur. pic.twitter.com/0MZorVAzGG
— GBP Daily – Rob Westerman lll (@GBPdaily) December 18, 2023
I’m never going to meet a man who can’t quit me like Matt LaFleur can’t quit Joe Barry.
— Jennifer Kirton (@JenKtn) December 18, 2023
Cram it up your cram hole
LaFleur ✌️ https://t.co/xmaGEDyoBh pic.twitter.com/otisuCv103— Pαƚƚι Lყɳɳ 💚💛 (@pdubsRN) December 18, 2023
As mentioned, the Packers’ playoff window is not closed yet this year. Hopefully this decision does not prove to be the thing that slams it shut.
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