The Sports Xchange

ASHBURN, Va. — Joe Barry was just 36 when he was hired as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator in 2007. When Barry and the rest of the staff were fired in 2008 after the NFL’s only 0-16 season, it was questionable that he would ever get another chance to run a defense. After all, those Lions allowed the most points in each of his two years.

But he was blessed with more chances and now is in Washington with the Redskins after a year in Tampa Bay (2009), two at Southern Cal (2010-11) and three with San Diego (2012-14) — all as linebackers coach.

Asked whether he was concerned about ever getting another shot at running a defense, Barry said, “Absolutely. I’m a look-through-the-windshield guy. I’m never going to look in the rear-view mirror. … (But) I learned from that (experience). I became a better coach walking out of that situation.”

Barry might also look better than predecessor Jim Haslett this season since new general manager Scot McCloughan added nose tackle Terrance Knighton, defensive end Stephen Paea, cornerback Chris Culliver and safeties Dashon Goldson and Jeron Johnson, all of whom might start on Washington’s defense.

“We brought some new pieces in here,” Barry said. “We’re (going to be) aggressive. It’s hard to do a lot in OTAs because of the rules. We’re really stressing effort. We’re really stressing playing fast, playing with good fundamentals … sprinting to the ball.”

Backup end Kedric Golston, the senior Redskin after nine seasons in Washington, said Barry will also have an impact compared to the more laid-back Haslett.

“He brings a lot of excitement; he’s super passionate about the game,” Golston said. “He has a vision of what he wants the defense to look like. We used to react, then attack. Now we’re attacking.”

Barry said his defense will “have the ability to be multiple and jump in and out of (different) fronts.”

Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams said variety is making his side of the ball work harder during practice.

“There’s a lot of deception before each snap,” Williams said. “Every practice, they’re switching things up. He has thrown a lot of stuff at us.”

Barry is upbeat about how Washington’s defense, which surrendered the fourth-most points in 2014 and the third-most in 2013 while Washington compiled a 7-25 record, is progressing this spring.

Linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti is the only returning member of the staff that includes Perry Fewell, former New York Giants and Buffalo coordinator, working with the secondary.

“We have good plays during the day and we have bad plays,” Barry said. “It’s definitely a process, but there’s a lot more good out there right now than bad. I’m very happy with where we’re at as a unit. (And) I couldn’t be more pleased with the staff.”