Dom Capers fired as Packers defensive coordinator after nine seasons

Frank Schwab
·NFL writer

The only thing more reliable than Dom Capers being Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator was Packers fans complaining about him.

Capers lasted nine seasons running the Packers defense, was the subject of constant criticism, and the Packers finally fired him on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The Packers’ season derailed when Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone, but the defense was a problem too. The Packers ranked 26th in the NFL in points allowed and 22nd in yards allowed. Widespread injuries in the secondary were partially to blame, but the Packers didn’t get much out of what they had on hand.

Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers, left, talks with Lions coach Jim Caldwell before a Week 17 game. Both men were fired after the game. (AP)
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers, left, talks with Lions coach Jim Caldwell before a Week 17 game. Both men were fired after the game. (AP)

The Packers don’t make moves like this very often. Mike McCarthy has been the team’s head coach since 2006, and Capers was his defensive coordinator since 2009. Capers was running the defense that won Super Bowl XLV, and the one that helped the Packers go 15-1 a year later. However, criticism of Capers really started when the Packers were torched in consecutive seasons by the San Francisco 49ers and Colin Kaepernick in the playoffs. The Packers haven’t finished in the top 10 in yards allowed or points allowed since 2010.

It was time for a change. Perhaps a new voice will help a defense that has stagnated. The Packers should be able to land a good candidate, because the team is so patient with assistants and values continuity.

The Packers aren’t big on major shakeups, and in many NFL circles changing defensive coordinators wouldn’t be a earth-shaking occurrence. But it’s unusual in Green Bay. Finally, the fans who have complained about Capers can see if someone else can do better.

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!