Washington Redskins hire LB coach Joe Barry as DC

By Cory Buck | Jan 14, 2015

Sep 8, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers linebackers coach Joe Barry against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Redskins reportedly plan to hire San Diego Chargers linebacker coach Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator.

It appears that the Washington Redskins have finally found their man to lead the defense. After an extensive search to replace Jim Haslett as the team’s defensive coordinator that included some in-house candidates among others, Washington has settled on San Diego Chargers linebackers coach Joe Barry, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

The #Redskins plan on hiring #Chargers LB coach Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2015

More from NFL

Barry spent the last four seasons coaching the Chargers linebackers and the team allowed the ninth-fewest yards per game in the 2014 NFL season. The run defense wasn’t as impressive, ranking 26th in yards against per game, but the defense allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards, which can also be attributed in part to the linebacker corps.

Washington will take whatever it can get as it looks to revamp a defense that’s been moribund and shallow in talent for years now. They finally have a first-round pick — the fifth overall selection — in this upcoming draft with which they can start stocking the cupboard once more, but who knows if that will even be used on the defensive side of the ball, given the team’s mess at the quarterback position.

Whatever happens this offseason, Barry will have his work cut out for him in turning this defense around in a tough NFC East that features two of the best offenses in football.

The Redskins had previously interviewed secondary coach Raheem Morris, who was reportedly one of the finalists for the job with Joe Barry. There’s no word on whether Morris will stay with the team in the same capacity or if Barry will bring in his own crew. Much of that might also depend on the discretion of head coach Jay Gruden.

The Redskins had also previously requested to interview Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Bills denied that request, but the team and Schwartz have since parted ways in lieu of the team hiring Rex Ryan as head coach. Ryan said he wanted Schwartz to stay, but brought his guy, Dennis Thurman, on board once Schwartz declined the offer.

It was reasonable to expect Washington might ask again for that interview with Schwartz, but apparently that’s not in the cards as the team appears set on hiring Joe Barry. You can expect more news to follow on who Barry brings along with him on his new venture in Washington.

More from FanSided