The Green Bay Packers are heading into the offseason with a clear to-do list, and right near the top is a big one: finding a new defensive coordinator. With Jeff Hafley leaving for a head coaching gig in Miami, head coach Matt LaFleur now has a key vacancy to fill on his staff-and the search is officially on in Titletown.
One name getting a strong push from within Wisconsin football circles? Jimmy Leonhard.
Barry Alvarez, the legendary former Wisconsin Badgers head coach and longtime program architect, didn’t mince words when asked who LaFleur should target.
“If I’m Matt LaFleur, I’m going out and getting the best coach I can get… and THAT’S Jimmy Leonhard,” Alvarez said during a recent interview on ESPN Madison.
That’s not just a casual endorsement-that’s a mic-drop moment from a man who knows both Leonhard and the state’s football culture inside and out.
Leonhard, 43, has deep roots in Wisconsin. He was a standout safety for the Badgers under Alvarez, then returned to Madison as a coach, eventually serving as defensive coordinator and even stepping in as interim head coach in 2022. He’s currently with the Denver Broncos as assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator-a role that’s helped him gain valuable NFL experience while continuing to build his resume.
Now, with a DC spot open in Green Bay, the stars could be aligning for a potential homecoming.
Leonhard has long been seen as a rising defensive mind, known for his ability to adapt schemes and get the most out of his players. His familiarity with the region and his defensive acumen make him an intriguing candidate for the Packers, especially as they look to build on a defense that showed flashes of promise in 2025.
Last season, Green Bay’s defense ranked 11th in points allowed (21.7 per game) and 14th in total yards surrendered (319.2 per game). Solid numbers, but there’s room for growth-particularly in consistency and late-game execution. The talent is there, and with the right leadership, this unit could take a significant step forward.
That’s where someone like Leonhard could come in. He’s respected, he’s relatable to players, and he brings a mix of college and pro experience that could bridge the gap between scheme and execution. And let’s be honest-there’s something to be said for a coach who understands the culture of a place like Green Bay, where football isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.
LaFleur will have options, no doubt. But if he’s looking for a smart, battle-tested coach who knows how to connect with players and can bring a fresh perspective to the Packers’ defense, Jimmy Leonhard might just be the right call.
And if Barry Alvarez is pounding the table for him, that’s a recommendation worth listening to.