The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the NFC Championship Game, but two of their biggest rivals are making major coaching changes.
The Green Bay Packers announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Joe Berry will not return to the team in 2024, and the Chicago Bears announced the hiring of Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron on Tuesday.
The Packers lost to the 49ers in an NFC divisional game on Saturday night. In each of the last two seasons, they have ranked 17th in total defense. Barry has been the DC for the past three seasons and has 22 seasons of NFL coaching experience.
“We appreciate Joe’s hard work and contribution to our success over the past three seasons,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “These decisions are very difficult, and Joe is one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in this league.
“Waldron, 44, has coached in the NFL for 10 seasons and also has college experience. Last season, Seattle’s offense averaged 21.4 points and 322.9 yards per game.
He replaces Luke Getsy, who was fired along with the rest of the offensive line earlier this month.”We are excited to add Shane to our coaching staff,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “I would also like to thank all the candidates I spoke to during the interviews. It was a difficult search, but we are thankful that the journey eventually led us to Shane.
He is an excellent teacher and communicator with extensive experience coaching under some of the game’s most elite managers. “I look forward to working with him to expand the rest of our staff and get it up and running here.”The Bears (7-10) are entering an important offseason. They have the no. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Justin Fields will have a decision to make regarding their franchise quarterback.
