As the Green Bay Packers continue their search for a new defensive coordinator, a couple of familiar voices from the franchise’s past have chimed in with their picks - and they’re names that would resonate with fans across Wisconsin.
Mike Daniels, the former Pro Bowl defensive tackle who anchored Green Bay’s defensive front for seven seasons (2012-18), is throwing his support behind Al Harris. Yes, that Al Harris - the long-locked cornerback who etched his name into Packers lore with one of the most iconic pick-sixes in playoff history. Harris, who spent eight of his 14 NFL seasons in Green Bay, is now in the mix for the team’s DC job, and Daniels made his endorsement crystal clear on social media, responding to news of Harris’ interview with a simple, emphatic: “Do it.”
Harris is coming off a strong season as the Chicago Bears’ defensive backs coach, where his unit led the NFL in interceptions. Before that, he held the same role - along with assistant head coach duties - under Dan Quinn in Dallas, helping shape a Cowboys secondary that became one of the league’s most opportunistic.
Harris isn’t just a fan favorite; he’s a legitimate candidate with a résumé that’s gaining traction. In fact, Green Bay isn’t the only team interested - Harris also interviewed with the Washington Commanders, where a potential reunion with Quinn (now Washington’s head coach) could be on the table.
The two worked closely during their time in Dallas, and that familiarity could factor into Harris' next move.
Still, there’s something poetic about the idea of Harris returning to the place where he played his best football - a two-time Pro Bowler, a Packers Hall of Famer, and a player whose legacy is still felt inside Lambeau Field. If Green Bay is looking to inject some swagger and experience into its defensive identity, Harris checks both boxes.
But he’s not the only former player getting a push.
Vince Biegel, a Wisconsin native and former Packers linebacker, is campaigning for another name with deep local ties: Jim Leonhard. Biegel, who played his high school ball in Wisconsin Rapids and starred at the University of Wisconsin before being drafted by the Packers in 2017, took to social media with a direct message: “Hire this man as the next defensive coordinator for the Packers,” alongside a photo of Leonhard from his Badgers coaching days.
Leonhard is no stranger to Green Bay’s radar. Back in 2021, he was a serious candidate for the same job - even receiving an offer - but ultimately turned it down. The Packers pivoted to Joe Barry, whose three-year stint ended earlier this offseason after an inconsistent run.
Since then, Leonhard’s coaching profile has only grown. After serving as Wisconsin’s interim head coach in 2022, he transitioned to the NFL, joining the Denver Broncos’ defensive staff.
This past season, he added assistant head coach duties to his plate - a sign of his rising stock in league circles. Though Green Bay hasn’t interviewed him yet, head coach Matt LaFleur is expected to reach out.
The only holdup? The Broncos are still alive in the playoffs, set to play in the AFC Championship Game this weekend, and league rules prevent in-person interviews until their season ends.
At 43, Leonhard is younger than many of his peers but already commands respect as one of the brightest defensive minds in football. He’s also been busy on the interview circuit, recently taking virtual meetings with both the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have since filled their vacancy with Christian Parker - a former Packers assistant - but the fact that Leonhard was in the mix speaks volumes.
So, where does that leave the Packers?
They’ve got options - and not just any options, but ones with deep ties to the organization and the state of Wisconsin. Harris brings charisma, NFL pedigree, and a proven knack for developing ball-hawking secondaries. Leonhard offers schematic savvy, leadership experience, and a connection to the next generation of defensive innovation.
The Packers’ next defensive coordinator won’t just be tasked with fixing a unit that struggled with consistency under Barry - they’ll be responsible for shaping the identity of a young, ascending team that’s already turned heads this postseason. Whether it’s Harris, Leonhard, or someone else entirely, Green Bay’s decision will say a lot about where this franchise is headed on the defensive side of the ball.
But if you ask Daniels and Biegel? The answer's already clear.