Dom Capers has finally been fired as Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator, and fans are rejoicing on Twitter.
The Green Bay Packers have only won one Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers, due in part to a bad defense that has had some bad moments. But defensive coordinator Dom Capers continued to survive each offseason, as Packersā head coach Mike McCarthy had only fired two assistants during his tenure.
But after a 35-11 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and the Packersā missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 (Rodgersā first season as the starter), someone had to pay the price. Capers is the guy, as confirmation came on Monday that he had been fired Sunday night.
Capers, as mentioned, lasted a few years longer than he should have as Green Bayās defensive coordinator. But better late than never, I suppose, and based on the Twitter reaction Packersā fans are glad to see Capers go.
https://twitter.com/cm_trunnell6/status/947941323222536193
Dom Capers... pic.twitter.com/gR3znMWRO3
ā Dave Funke (@ItsFunkeFresh) January 1, 2018
Packer fans when it was officially announced that Dom Capers was fired https://t.co/MaiZPVC4wF
ā Art Vandelay (@KingFavre) January 1, 2018
Reaction to Capers officially fired. Na na na na na na na na hey hey hey goodbye na na na na na na na na hey hey hey goodbye #gopackgo #nfl #domcapers
ā Lambeau nation (@lambeau_nations) January 1, 2018
Dom Capers is officially fired. Damn, too bad I used up all my champagne last night.
ā James Is ON STRIKE (@ScriptsByJames) January 1, 2018
FINALLY DOM CAPERS HAS BEEN FIRED!!!! Been wanting this for years and it has finally happened.. Packers Superbowl champs next year mark my words. RT @NFL: https://t.co/Un3G6FHhJ7
ā Fernie Gonzalez (@im_fernilicious) January 1, 2018
Packers firing Dom Capers is the best thing I've heard all year
ā Jake Magaw (@JKMagaw) January 1, 2018
When I hear that Dom Capers finally is gone!!!! Now if only they got rid of Mike McCarthy pic.twitter.com/8LDST9vTvh
ā Boywitthepurplesocks (@TomatoSandwichh) January 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Luke_Lovy/status/947940115724238848
Dom Capers gets canned. 2018 could not be off to a better start.
ā Daniel Steen (@dsteen9) January 1, 2018
Green Bay Packers organization while deciding to fire Dom Capers pic.twitter.com/wl9fX5a9YO
ā Isaac Benner (@IsaacBennerMN) January 1, 2018
Dom capers finally got fired as Green Bayās defensive coordinator its about time!!! All though I am thankful for doms 2010 super bowl defense but since then itās been a sharp decline we need something new!!
ā Draz (@betigotsomweed) January 1, 2018
But there is some trending data to back up the move.
The Packers have not had a top-10 defense since the 2010 Super Bowl-winning season, and they finished in the bottom-third of the league in total defense four times in the last seven seasons under Capers. Injuries, a decline in performance from some key players and Rodgers not being around to cover up defensive shortcomings combined to finally spell the end for Capers.
Even before the news was official, with only a report Capers would be fired to go on, fans were glad to know the move was inevitable.
Knowing this is the last game I'll ever have to watch a Dom Capers lead Packers defense pic.twitter.com/5Usjmby4tA
ā J (@BigBallerJoey) December 31, 2017
We might not have won the Super Bowl this season but Dom Capers is getting fired and thatās good enough #GoPackGo
ā Joey (@JoeyZIII) December 31, 2017
Adam Schefter: Dom Capers will not return next season
ā RTR Dos š (@JDejuan2) December 31, 2017
Packers fans: pic.twitter.com/d4Zf9D6Ckb
Dom Capers, according to reports, will be coaching his last game as the #Packers DC this Sunday. Amen and Hallelujah! Not even Mike McCarthy could save him this time.
ā Ralph Mancini (@ReverendRalph) December 30, 2017
Next: NFL Power Rankings: Week 17
Capers was the Packersā defensive coordinator for nine seasons. He has been working in the NFL continually since 1986, including stints as head coach of two expansion teams (Carolina Panthers,1995-98 and Houston Texans, 2002-2005). Itās not clear if heāll retire from coaching, at 67 years old, but if he wants to keep going he should be able to find a job somewhere for next season.