Joe Barry will be the new defensive coordinator in Washington, according to a tweet on Tuesday by the team. He will replace Jim Haslett, who “mutually agreed to part ways” with the team this offseason. Barry will be tasked with turning around a unit that allowed the third-most points in the NFL in 2014.
Washington to hire Joe Barry as defensive coordinator
Barry was the linebackers coach for the Chargers for four seasons and previously coached the Buccaneers linebackers for seven seasons.
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Barry spent the last four seasons as the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers, but has two years of experience as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. His stint in Detroit didn't go very well, though, and ended after the Lions finished both seasons with the NFL's worst defense and an 0-16 record in 2008.
For the six seasons prior to joining the Lions and for one season after he was fired by the team, Barry was the linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barry earned a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs in 2002.
Washington has struggled defensively for the last six seasons. The defense allowed an average of 27.4 points and 357 yards per game in 2014, and no team gave up more touchdown passes. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach and current Washington defensive backs coach Raheem Morris also interviewed for the position and was considered a finalist for the job.
Barry previously played linebacker at the University of Michigan before transferring to USC and began coaching for the Trojans shortly after the conclusion of his collegiate playing career. He ran a 3-4 defense with the Lions and is expected to bring the same scheme with him to Washington, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post.
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