ESPN insider reveals emerging candidate for Packers defensive coordinator opening

Parting ways with Joe Barry was step number one for the Green Bay Packers this offseason. Now, head coach Matt LaFleur must hit a home run in his search for his next defensive coordinator.

LaFleur must also determine the style of defense he wants. Three years ago, he hired Barry to bring a Vic Fangio-style system to Green Bay. Will he want something similar again, or is LaFleur open to a different approach?

The Packers have options. They will have to move relatively quickly, as several NFL teams are in the market for new defensive coordinators, but there are several candidates LaFleur could consider to replace Barry.

One name has emerged as a possible target.

Packers could resume interest in Titans coach Chris Harris

Tennessee Titans defensive pass game coordinator Chris Harris is a name to watch.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Harris is on the Packers' list of possible Barry replacements. Green Bay will face competition, as Graziano noted the Chicago Bears will interview Harris.

One advantage the Packers would have over the Bears is the opportunity for Harris to call plays in Green Bay, something he likely wouldn't get the chance to do in Chicago. And the former All-Pro safety has been on LaFleur's radar for a while.

Harris almost became the Packers' defensive coordinator three years ago. According to Albert Breer of The MMQB, Harris "crushed his interview" with Green Bay, but LaFleur went with Barry.

Harris was a sixth-round draft pick by the Bears in 2005. He spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars and earned second-team All-Pro honors with Chicago in 2010.

He would retire in 2013 and join the Bears' coaching staff as a defensive quality control coach just days later. Harris recently spent three seasons as the Washington Commanders' defensive backs coach and is currently the Titans' defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach.

Harris was a top target for LaFleur three years ago. It won't be surprising if the Packers set up an interview in the coming days.

More Packers news and analysis