@ammo posted:This certainly sounds like Joe Blow will not be retained in any from. Also interesting that MLF called him "one of the best men I have ever worked with", not one of the best coaches I've worked with.
All reports are that Barry is a really good dude. He’s just not a great coach.
At the very least, the Packers are going to try something different. There were just too many times the past 2 years where Barry’s defenses disappointed. Honestly his 1st year in GB was promising.
But from that 2022 Giants game in London going forward, there were just way too many times where the defense looked like it was underachieving. Let’s just hope this next DC can get our defense to take advantage when playing against an inferior offense. We saw Desmond Ridder, Tommy Devito, Bryce Young, etc. play way better vs. us than against anyone else. Those are the types of teams we absolutely CANNOT let beat us defensively going forward.
i am on the Ejiro Evero bndwagon. Two different teams he excelled with less than what the Packers had to work with.
I am never ever someone who wants to see anyone fired but in this case it just had to be done. You cannot have a DC in this day and age of offense play not to lose and give up the big plays. To be successful on defense you have to stress the offense and get them to make mistakes. Mistakes will not happen if you are constantly in a zone so soft my old, fat, and washed ass could waddle out there and get open.
This hire may be one of the most important hires we have ever seen this team make in the last 10 years because they are so close to taking the next step.
So before Barry was hired wasn’t Jim Leonard offered the job but he turned it down? And we got Barry as a consolation prize?
Well he is now available since his contract he signed with WI to not take a job anywhere has now expired. He’s free to take a new job wherever he wants.
Does MLF offer him the gig again?
Mike Zimmer?
On #Packers DC search, a few names with ties to the team:
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 24, 2024
*Jerry Gray: #Falcons AHC w/ G.B. from 2020-22, still has many fans in the building. Could go to Jax with Ryan Nielsen.
*Chris Harris: #Titans PGC interviewed well with G.B. in 2021, in mix for DC positions this cycle
Not happy but relieved. Time for a new direction, hopefully a more aggressive, attacking defense.
@vitaflo posted:So before Barry was hired wasn’t Jim Leonard offered the job but he turned it down? And we got Barry as a consolation prize?
Well he is now available since his contract he signed with WI to not take a job anywhere has now expired. He’s free to take a new job wherever he wants.
Does MLF offer him the gig again?
I think there was a rumor, but I don't think Leonard was ever offered the job.
My recollection on that is shaky at best, tho.
just think, if we get this right this time...lord have mercy. this team is catapulted to the finals.
was watching the covid 49ers / packers the other day, the division finals or championship, whatever, that packers team looked so tired compared to this team...we could friggen light the league up man...
I'm just glad I don't have to come to x4, see this thread, and sigh because the no-talent ass-clown is still in town.
Damn, I wanted to be the one to do it.
@michiganjoe posted:On #Packers DC search, a few names with ties to the team:
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 24, 2024
*Jerry Gray: #Falcons AHC w/ G.B. from 2020-22, still has many fans in the building. Could go to Jax with Ryan Nielsen.
*Chris Harris: #Titans PGC interviewed well with G.B. in 2021, in mix for DC positions this cycle
Chris Harris could be a very good hire.
One thing's for sure- the SB window with Love is now open and MLF can't afford another mistake.
@Thunderbird posted:I think there was a rumor, but I don't think Leonard was ever offered the job.
My recollection on that is shaky at best, tho.
@Boris posted:LMAO....I think Orlovski said that because he works with Rex. He's not a candidate IMO
Ryan has praised LaFleur and the offense a lot, and has been very critical of the D. I know that's his job as an analyst, but I think he'd be a good option. He's only 61 and has documented success and could be left alone without concern to do the job. No more in-season or off-season talks about being more aggressive.
@Floridarob posted:i am on the Ejiro Evero bndwagon. Two different teams he excelled with less than what the Packers had to work with.
Don't disagree and he has familiarity with MLF.
Carolinas defense was actually ranked 25th this year over the Packers 27th and the only offense worse than Carolina was the Jets.
That's why the Jets are just mind blowing. 3rd ranked defense (by DVOA) with that putrid offense. Just incredible. How did they do that?
Would Rex even want to get back on the field?. Its a pretty good gig he has now.
@antiworst posted:I don't want Jim Leonard. Give me a guy who thinks that not only the job of the defense is to hold the other team from scoring, but also to create TURNOVERS and 3 and outs to give the ball back to our offense in good field position and win the TOP.
It may be we give up a few more big plays, but the risk will be far worth the reward. I'm so done watching teams convert 3rd downs because we sit back and HOPE the other team makes a mistake.
Also, Special Teams needs a re-evaluation and let's find a kicker who can make routine kicks.
To me you essentially just typed, "I don't want Jim Leonhard. Give me a guy who thinks that the job of the defense is to play the way Jim Leonard's past defenses played".
What makes you think Jim Leonhard doesn't focus on scoring, turnovers and 3 and outs? I am not doubting you. Just curios.
@Boris posted:He'd be the ONE
old guy
It seems to me the best defensive coordinators historically are older. Guys over 50. Offensive coordinators seem to excel in their youth, but that doesn't appear to be the case for defensive coordinators. I want an old grizzled dude to take over.
@antiworst posted:I don't want Jim Leonard. Give me a guy who thinks that not only the job of the defense is to hold the other team from scoring, but also to create TURNOVERS and 3 and outs to give the ball back to our offense in good field position and win the TOP.
It may be we give up a few more big plays, but the risk will be far worth the reward. I'm so done watching teams convert 3rd downs because we sit back and HOPE the other team makes a mistake.
Also, Special Teams needs a re-evaluation and let's find a kicker who can make routine kicks.
I don't know what great college D stats transfer to the NFL but in 2021 the Badger run D was 5th in the nation. What is the Packers biggest deficiency on D? Stopping the run.
Also in his 4 years as D C the Badgers were 2nd in FBS in creating turnovers. What more do you want? 
Rex is a blowhard who may wear out his welcome quickly with the coaching staff. Leonard stayed at UW hoping to get the head job. Since that didn't happen he may be more willing to take our position.
1st, obviously.
I just don't remember him as having the attacking style that I'd like to see...maybe I'm just mis-remembering Goalline. I love watching defenses that force the other team to make mistakes. I don't remember Wisconsin being that type of team, but maybe I'm wrong.
He was solid, but I want top 5 in turnovers and getting off the field. After watching teams like Baltimore shut down Houston and consistently pressure Stroud I got the feeling that Houston wouldn't ever be able to sustain a drive during that game. NTM 60 sacks this year and isn't Queen a FA this year?
We need a DC that thinks he's on offense IMO. Maybe Leonard is that guy, but it's not how I remember him. 🤷
@antiworst posted:I just don't remember him as having the attacking style that I'd like to see...maybe I'm just mis-remembering Goalline. I love watching defenses that force the other team to make mistakes. I don't remember Wisconsin being that type of team, but maybe I'm wrong.
He was solid, but I want top 5 in turnovers and getting off the field. After watching teams like Baltimore shut down Houston and consistently pressure Stroud I got the feeling that Houston wouldn't ever be able to sustain a drive during that game. NTM 60 sacks this year and isn't Queen a FA this year?
We need a DC that thinks he's on offense IMO. Maybe Leonard is that guy, but it's not how I remember him. 🤷
Maybe you are thinking of 2021 when Leonhard was interim coach. His defenses ran a clever scheme that had him running blitzes and games from anywhere at any time. And he did it with less than the best talent, particularly in the secondary. Here are his defensive rankings:
2021 – 1st in total defense (5th in passing yards per game, 1st in rushing, 4th in PPG allowed) – 2nd nationally in yards per play (4.17).
2020 – 5th in total defense (31st in passing yards, 5th in rushing, 9th in PPG allowed)
2019 – 8th in total defense (16th passing yards, 8th in rushing, 10th in PPG allowed)
2018 – 41st in total defense (38th in passing yards, 56th in rushing, 43rd in PPG allowed)
2017 – 1st in total defense (4th in passing yards, 2nd in rushing, 3rd in PPG allowed)
I will dig for turnover numbers later today.
What the hell, don't you know them off the top of your head? 
I just want a defense that stops the other team every time ands holds everyone to 0 pts. I don’t see why that’s unreasonable.
@antiworst posted:I just don't remember him as having the attacking style that I'd like to see...maybe I'm just mis-remembering Goalline. I love watching defenses that force the other team to make mistakes. I don't remember Wisconsin being that type of team, but maybe I'm wrong.
He was solid, but I want top 5 in turnovers and getting off the field. After watching teams like Baltimore shut down Houston and consistently pressure Stroud I got the feeling that Houston wouldn't ever be able to sustain a drive during that game. NTM 60 sacks this year and isn't Queen a FA this year?
We need a DC that thinks he's on offense IMO. Maybe Leonard is that guy, but it's not how I remember him. 🤷
To be a "pressure" defense you need athletes....Leonard's defensive athletes at UW were rarely better than those of the teams he was playing. You play the style that best fits the players you have.
I'd want to play for this guy
Leonhard gets a bad rap at times as defensive coordinator at UW and I’m not sure why.
Under JL at Wisconsin, in 4 of 5 years the Badgers were exceptional on defense - meaning top 10 defenses - either total defense or points allowed. In 2017 and 2021 they were #1 in the nation.
His worst season (2018) they were 41st in total defense which is still pretty good.
Last time I checked, TJ Edwards, Andrew Van Ginkel, Leo Chanel, Jack Sanborn, Isiah Loudermilk, and Zack Baun were all pretty good and many have been decent NFL players.
I get that pro players are wired a little different but Leonhard got the absolute most out of guys, including himself when he played. That should count for something.
The broom is out. Let's hope it also sweeps away the entire defensive coaching staff. https://t.co/Ckg0qzbh1D
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) January 24, 2024
Just spoke to a league source with ties to the #Packers who suggested the best path for the team would be focus on a passing-game DC.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) January 24, 2024
Someone with a background in secondary play to maximize this talented CB room.
Then let the terrific pass rush go hunt.
The above would fit this bill:
I recommended Chris Harris in 2021, and I'm doing it again. The players would love him, and he'd bring an aggressive style and mentality to a defense that's been passive for far too long. The gamble would be his lack of experience as a DC, but IMO, it's a gamble worth taking. pic.twitter.com/GTc2lMZqA3
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) January 24, 2024
The replacement for Gizzi needs to be someone who specializes in hamstrings
Pretty good breakdown of who's out there and their abilities.
@Benzene posted:The replacement for Gizzi needs to be someone who specializes in hamstrings
One of the pickle juice chugging dumdums here would fit the bill.
@packerboi posted:Just spoke to a league source with ties to the #Packers who suggested the best path for the team would be focus on a passing-game DC.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) January 24, 2024
Someone with a background in secondary play to maximize this talented CB room.
Then let the terrific pass rush go hunt.The above would fit this bill:
I recommended Chris Harris in 2021, and I'm doing it again. The players would love him, and he'd bring an aggressive style and mentality to a defense that's been passive for far too long. The gamble would be his lack of experience as a DC, but IMO, it's a gamble worth taking. pic.twitter.com/GTc2lMZqA3
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) January 24, 2024
They interviewed Harris last round and chose Barry. Not sure how if that’s an endorsement of what they think of Harris. If that’s the case I think they look at Ravens DB coach Chris Hewitt…because honestly why wouldn’t you?
Jim Leonhard also fits that bill FWIW.
