LA Rams linebacker coach Joe Barry had several opportunities in 2019 for promotion. After the LA Rams elected not to renew defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, Barry was thought to be an internal candidate, and a leading candidate for the role. Simultaneously, Barry interviewed for a defensive coordinator role with the University of Southern California. The Rams defensive coordinator job eventually fell to former Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley. In the aftermath, reports indicated that the USC Trojan DC job was offered to Barry.
As events unraveled, there were many questions as to whether Barry would be back as linebackers coach for the Rams.