4The Green Bay Packers have found themselves in an interesting position heading into the 2025 offseason. With the franchise in transition, looking to build around young talent and figure out its identity under quarterback Jordan Love, the coaching staff has become the focus of attention. Both of the Packers’ coordinators — offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and defensive coordinator Joe Barry — recently completed interviews for head coaching positions elsewhere. These interviews are pivotal not only for their careers but also for the future direction of the Packers organization.
As the Packers look to rebound from a rebuilding year, their coordinators could soon be at the helm of other NFL teams. Stenavich and Barry’s head-coaching interviews have sparked debates about whether the Packers should be actively considering a change at coordinator or whether their current leadership, despite its flaws, still represents the best path forward.
### Adam Stenavich: A Rising Star with a Promising Future
Adam Stenavich, entering his second season as the Packers’ offensive coordinator in 2024, has become one of the most talked-about coaching names in the league. Prior to his promotion to OC, Stenavich had already garnered recognition for his work as the Packers’ offensive line coach, helping to develop a strong and cohesive unit that was a key to Green Bay’s success in recent years. His move to offensive coordinator was seen as a natural progression, especially with a young quarterback like Jordan Love taking over for Aaron Rodgers.
Stenavich’s success as an OC has been somewhat mixed but undeniably promising. The Packers offense, while in a rebuilding phase, showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the development of their young wide receiver corps and the progression of Love. Under Stenavich, the Packers have sought to blend the traditional power running game with modern passing concepts, establishing a balanced attack. Though they faced growing pains early in 2024, the Packers offense found its footing down the stretch, with Love becoming more comfortable and confident in the pocket.
Stenavich’s ability to adapt to the situation at hand and manage a diverse group of young players on offense has caught the eye of multiple franchises looking to make a change at head coach. While the Packers’ offense may not have been top-tier in 2024, the growth shown by Love, coupled with Stenavich’s track record of improving the line and finding success with a youthful offense, has made him an appealing candidate for head coaching jobs.
The big question for Green Bay fans and management is whether Stenavich is ready to step into a head coach’s role — especially with the Packers in the midst of a rebuild. If another team offers him the opportunity to lead, Green Bay might face the challenge of replacing him and potentially losing a rising star at a pivotal time in the franchise’s development. But from Stenavich’s perspective, it may be hard to pass up the chance to lead his own team, especially given his promising trajectory in Green Bay.
### Joe Barry: Under Pressure, But Still a Contender
In contrast, defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s tenure with the Packers has been more controversial. Hired in 2021 to replace Mike Pettine, Barry has faced significant scrutiny for his defense’s inconsistencies. Despite having a talented roster filled with Pro Bowl-caliber players like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary, Barry’s defense has often struggled to close out games, especially in high-pressure situations. His defensive unit, while capable, has shown troubling lapses, especially in key moments, leading to some fan frustration.
Barry has been the subject of debate for much of his time in Green Bay. In 2024, the Packers’ defense showed signs of improvement but remained far from elite. For every brilliant performance, such as their strong outings against high-powered offenses like the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, there was a subsequent letdown, such as their inability to slow down the run game or struggle in the red zone. Barry has often been criticized for failing to adjust on the fly or for not getting the most out of his talent.
However, despite these issues, Barry has also had his share of success. He was able to generate a pass rush with defensive stars like Gary and Kenny Clark, and his ability to get contributions from younger players like Quay Walker and Eric Stokes has shown that he can develop talent. Barry’s defensive schemes, which blend aspects of the Tampa-2 and hybrid zone coverages, have worked well in some situations but haven’t always been able to execute when the game is on the line.
This mix of potential and frustration has led to Barry being interviewed for head coaching roles. It’s clear that there are NFL teams that see his defensive pedigree and his ability to work with talented rosters as a sign of future success, but Barry’s path to a head coaching job could hinge on his ability to prove that his defensive schemes are more than just situational.
As for the Packers, losing Barry to a head coaching job could represent an opportunity to rethink their defensive strategy. However, given the limited success the team has had defensively under his leadership, many fans would likely be divided on the prospect of him leaving — especially if it means a fresh start on defense. Still, it would be hard to argue against Barry’s potential to learn from his mistakes and improve over time, especially if he gains more experience as a head coach elsewhere.
### The Packers’ Dilemma: A Coaching Crossroads
The Packers find themselves at a crossroads, not just in terms of their roster but in the realm of coaching. If either Stenavich or Barry were to leave for head coaching opportunities, Green Bay would face a difficult decision on how to fill their positions and what direction to take.
For Stenavich, the situation is more complicated. His success as an offensive coordinator has raised his profile, but if the Packers were to lose him, they would need to find a replacement who could continue to develop Jordan Love and build upon the young offense that has shown so much potential. Hiring a veteran OC to work with Love, or perhaps promoting from within, would be crucial to maintaining offensive stability.
Barry’s departure, while seen as less devastating by some fans, would also come at a pivotal moment for the Packers’ defense. If Green Bay were to lose Barry, it would have to decide whether to bring in someone with a similar defensive philosophy or take the opportunity to completely overhaul the defense. Given the young talent on that side of the ball, having a coordinator who can get the most out of the defense’s potential could be crucial for the team’s long-term success.
### Conclusion: The Packers’ Future Hinges on the Right Decisions
As Adam Stenavich and Joe Barry complete their interviews for head coaching positions, the Green Bay Packers are forced to reckon with the possibility of significant coaching changes. While the Packers are in the midst of a rebuild, the potential loss of either coordinator presents a unique opportunity for the team to evaluate its future direction.
For Stenavich, a head coaching gig would be an exciting step forward in his career, but Green Bay would face the challenge of replacing an up-and-coming talent. As for Barry, a move to a head coaching role would be a bittersweet departure — leaving behind an underachieving but talented defense.
In the coming weeks, the Packers will need to weigh these potential changes carefully. They must ensure that they are not only prepared to replace their coordinators if necessary but also ensure that they find the right leadership to help guide this rebuilding team into the future. The Packers’ future may depend on who they choose to lead them, and whether Stenavich or Barry stays or goes, it’s clear that Green Bay is at a crucial crossroads.