Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay could promote linebackers coach Joe Barry to defensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
#Rams LB coach and assistant head coach Joe Barry is speaking with coach Sean McVay today about the vacant defensive coordinator job, source said. If Barry doesn’t get it, he also likely has an opportunity to become USC’s defensive coordinator.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2020
Rapoport also added that if Barry doesn't get the promotion with the Rams, he could leave to become the USC Trojans' defensive coordinator. The team decided not to renew the contract of veteran coordinator Wade Phillips, who had spent three years with the team. He was a big help with getting McVay adjusted to being a head coach in the league, and the Rams coach had nothing but positives to stay about Phillips in a statement released by the team.
“Coach Wade has been a veteran voice in heading our defense for the past three seasons. His wealth of experience, sound advice, and helpful demeanor has been invaluable to our coaches and players, and also has set an example for me as a head coach and a leader of men. I thank Coach Phillips for his numerous contributions to the Los Angeles Rams and our community, and I wish he, his wife Laurie, and the rest of the Phillips family the best.”
The Rams' defense wasn't terrible in 2019, but they also weren't great. They gave up 339.6 yards and 22.8 points per game. Barry has been a coach since 1994 and has been with the Rams since 2017. It's unclear if he is the front runner for the job, but if McVay wants to keep him with the Rams he probably will need to hire him as the defensive coordinator.
Whoever the Rams do go with, hopefully, they can help improve a unit that struggled last season.
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