Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator job reportedly offered to fast-rising coach.
Joe Barry, the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, was sacked days after the team was eliminated from the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. While the Packers’ coaching search to replace Barry appears to be in its early stages, a fresh report indicates that one applicant may have already been offered the job.
The Packers’ offense proved in the second part of the season that it has the potential to be a top-10 unit in 2024. However, Green Bay’s defense has failed in recent years, and after delaying changes for two consecutive offseasons, the Packers front staff decided to separate ways with Barry in January.
- Green Bay Packers defense 2023: 21.4 PPG allowed (13th), 5.4 yards per play allowed (20th), 43.75% third-down conversion rate allowed (28th), 53.97% opponents’ red-zone touchdown rate (13th)
Green Bay has already set up interviews or met with numerous defensive coordinator prospects. They include former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley, Buffalo Bills linebackers coach Bobby Babich, and Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde. Green Bay is apparently focusing on a considerably younger assistant coach.
According to Andrew Mertig of the Pack-a-Day podcast, the Packers have extended an offer to Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker to be their defensive coordinator. Parker, who is not currently in Green Bay, interviewed with head coach Matt LaFleur earlier this week. There is presently no information on whether Parker accepted the alleged offer.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know about potentially the next Packers defensive coordinator in 2024.
Who are the Packers looking at for defensive coordinator? Meet Christian Parker
Christian Parker, 32, is a New Jersey native who started his coaching career at Virginia State. From 2013-’13, Parker coached the Trojans’ defensive backs before taking the same position at Norfolk State (2015-’16). After four seasons outside the Power 5, Notre Dame hired Parker as a defensive analyst in 2017.
After spending a season on Brian Kelly’s coaching staff, learning from renowned defensive mind Mike Elko, Parker joined Texas A&M as a defensive analyst, following Elko to work with the Aggies’ defense. Still in his 20s, Parker was hired by LaFleur in 2019 as the Packers’ defensive quality control coach (2019-’20).
Parker, a rising defensive assistant, jumped at an opportunity to accelerate his career with the Denver Broncos. He spent a season as Vic Fangio’s defensive backs coach, learning directly from the mastermind of one of the most favored defensive systems in the NFL. What truly stands out about Parker, beyond his work with Denver’s pass defense, is that the next two Broncos’ head coaches (Nathaniel Hackett and Sean Payton) retained him as defensive backs coach.
“He’s sharp, man. He’s sharp. He’s a star. He is a great partner to work with. As a veteran coach, I’ve coordinated for about seven years now. My tape is out there, so I’m looking for ways to do different things. Speaking with Christian every day and bouncing ideas off him from what he’s done with [former Broncos head coach] Vic [Fangio] and guys in the past has been fun. [We’re] making changes and growing off what they did last year. He’s smart, he works his butt off and his players love playing for him. He’s a star.”
Parker is credited with helping All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons advance in their careers. The 32-year-old is well-liked in the Broncos’ defensive backfield, and many believe he has the potential to become a future head coach.
Parker, a 32-year-old defensive coordinator, was considered for positions with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, despite potential risks. Parker, given his previous working connection with LaFleur and track record of developing defensive backs, would be an excellent addition to the Packers’ defense in the future.
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