Was on the phone with @JacobWestendorf when the news broke that the #Packers were hiring Joe Barry as their new DC. Not shocked, not since Leonhard decided to stay in Madison.

So here are some thoughts about the hiring

1. I know Barry’s track record as a DC. But those Lions defenses were not as talented as this #Packers defense.

Jaire Alexander
Kenny Clark
Za’Darius Smith
Rashan Gary
Darnell Savage
Adrian Amos
Preston Smith (if not released)
Krys Barnes
Kamal Martin

as a very solid core

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2. In #NFL coaching circles Barry is well regarded. USC made a big time run at him last year to be their DC, but he elected to stay in LA. Has worked with Wade Phillips and Brandon Staley, son-in-law of Rod Marinelli.

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3. We (reporters & fans) don’t know who Barry will work out. He could CRUSH IT and be a hot name. How much of his lack of success in Detroit was b/c of talent, culture & inept leadership (owner/GM/HC)?

So reserving judgment is prudent.

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4. Not landing Leonhard sucks from a variety of standpoints, but he also isn’t a proven guy. If he had ANY regrets or reservations about taking the job it wasn’t for him. Part of being successful is being “all in” and if he isn’t, who’s to say he would let he gone in a year?

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5. Barry isn’t a “splash” hire, but neither was McCarthy or LaFleur. Dom Capers and Mike Pettine were, yet fans wanted them out after a couple years. Splash doesn’t equal success, and neither does past failure equal failure now.

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6. Lastly, no one knows what Barry will run. The #Packers are built for a 3/4 & have the best CB in the game with one of the best Saftey duos in the #NFL. I’m sure they had this convo when interviewing, but not everything is worthy of a knee jerk reaction.

Check that, I was just told by a source that Barry will run a 3-4 defense...