5 defensive coordinators Packers need to hire to replace Joe Barry
By Ryan Heckman
3. Lovie Smith
One of the more well-known defensive minds in the NFL over the last 20-25 years is Lovie Smith, someone Packer fans will know very well. Smith, of course, was the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2004-2012 and made life difficult on many occasions for Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
Smith is no stranger to the NFL and has long been one of the most respected defensive coaches in the league. He took a brief break from the pros to coach at Illinois, but returned to become the head coach of the Houston Texans in 2022 after being their defensive coordinator.
He will always be a fantastic defensive coordinator option, so long as he desires to coach. Smith knows this division. He knows Green Bay. His experience with so many All Pro players over the years would come into play, here, and help some of the younger, up-and-coming Packer defenders to get the most out of their careers.
Don't forget, Smith was head of the league's most fierce defense once upon a time; a defense that took a Rex Grossman-led offense all the way to the Super Bowl. Now, that's impressive.