Joe Barry Hired as Redskins DC: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Washington Redskins have reached an agreement with Joe Barry to fill their vacancy at defensive coordinator.    

The Redskins welcomed their new coach:

Barry, 44, spent the past four seasons as the linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers, but he would not confirm a deal when asked by Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego:

He previously served as the defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions for two years starting in 2007. The team ranked dead last in the NFL in both points and yardage allowed in each campaign, including the year it went 0-16.

The question is obviously whether those issues were partially due to Barry's system or simply a lack of talent on the roster. The Redskins are clearly betting on the latter.

Washington is coming off a season where its defense rated 20th in yards allowed and in a tie for 29th in points allowed. Most of the issues came against the pass. Opponents averaged just a shade under 250 yards per game through the air.

Barry will surely push for some upgrades through free agency and the draft. While Washington has some pieces to build around, an influx of talent is needed on that side of the ball.

It would be difficult for any coordinator to have a high level of success given the current talent base, especially in the secondary.