Packers defensive coordinator interview tracker: Who could replace Joe Barry?

The Green Bay Packers' search for a new defensive coordinator is underway. Head coach Matt LaFleur is interviewing candidates to replace Joe Barry.

LaFleur moved on from Barry after three seasons following another disappointing year for Green Bay's defense. Despite turning things around with solid playoff performances, LaFleur felt it was time to make a change.

The pressure is on LaFleur to get this hire right. Green Bay has plenty of talent on defense to get better results, and the team has five picks in the opening three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft to strengthen in areas of need.

Which direction will LaFleur go in? That remains to be seen, but he is already interviewing potential defensive coordinator candidates. It can be easy to lose track of all the options, but we've got you covered.

Tracking Packers defensive coordinator interviews

Dennard Wilson, Ravens secondary coach

It's no surprise the Packers are interested in two members of the Ravens' coaching staff. They had to wait until after the AFC title game, but LaFleur is now moving in on two more candidates. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, one is secondary coach Dennard Wilson. The Ravens led the NFL in scoring defense this season, in part because they forced a league-high 31 turnovers, including 18 interceptions.

Zach Orr, Ravens inside linebackers coach

Another Ravens coach on the Packers' radar is Zach Orr. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Green Bay has requested to interview him. Pelissero notes that Orr is a "close lieutenant" of Mike Macdonald in Baltimore. Inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen have been outstanding in Baltimore this season.

Brandon Staley, former Chargers head coach

The Athletic's Matt Schneidman and Diana Russini reported the Packers are interviewing Brandon Staley, who was most recently head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Staley runs a familiar system, one with similarities to Joe Barry's. Barry and Staley have worked together before and run a Vic Fangio-style defense.

LaFleur hasn't worked with Staley, but they do have a connection with Sean McVay.

Christian Parker, Broncos defensive backs coach

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Packers have interviewed Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker.

The 32-year-old has history with the Packers and LaFleur, having been a defensive quality control coach in Green Bay from 2019-20. He has spent the past three seasons in Denver and is a rising name. Parker would be an exciting hire.

Bobby Babich, Rams linebackers coach

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Green Bay has requested permission to interview Bobby Babich, who is currently the Buffalo Bills' linebackers coach.

The 40-year-old is another exciting young coach the Packers are interested in. He previously spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns but has risen through the ranks with the Bills. He has been in Buffalo since 2017, starting as an assistant defensive backs coach.

Aden Durde, Cowboys defensive line coach

ESPN's Todd Archer reports the Packers have requested permission to interview Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde. It's not surprising Green Bay is interested in hiring a coach from Dallas, given the success of the Cowboys' defense this season.

Durde played in NFL Europe and spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs as a player. He has coached in the NFL since 2018, beginning as a defensive quality control coach for the Atlanta Falcons. He was promoted to their outside linebackers coach in 2020 before moving to Dallas a year later.

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