The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a new defensive coordinator, and one name generating real buzz is Jim Leonhard - a coach with ties to both the organization and the state of Wisconsin. There’s mutual interest between Leonhard and the Packers, and while nothing is imminent, this could be a reunion worth watching closely.
Leonhard, currently serving as the Denver Broncos’ defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach, is no stranger to Green Bay’s radar. The Packers offered him the DC job back in 2021, but at the time, he chose to stay at the University of Wisconsin. Now, with Jeff Hafley off to lead the Miami Dolphins, the position is open again - and the timing might finally line up.
Green Bay will need to wait before making any moves, though. Leonhard can’t be interviewed until after the AFC Championship Game between the Broncos and Patriots. But make no mistake: he’s a serious candidate, and the Packers’ front office - led by head coach Matt LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst - will be taking a long look at what he brings to the table.
Leonhard would be stepping into a defense that’s not short on talent. The centerpiece, of course, is Micah Parsons.
In his first season with the Packers, Parsons made an immediate impact, racking up 41 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 26 quarterback hits - all in just 14 games. That kind of production earned him first-team All-Pro honors and a spot as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist.
And that was despite missing the final three games of the regular season with a torn ACL.
Parsons is expected back early in the 2026 campaign, and if he returns to form, he’ll once again be the engine of this defense. But he’s not alone. Safety Xavier McKinney has been a steady presence on the back end, and rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper showed flashes that suggest he could be a long-term answer in the middle of the field.
Still, this isn’t a perfect unit. The cornerback room was a weak spot throughout 2025.
Nate Hobbs, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal last offseason, struggled with the transition to playing outside corner. That left Green Bay leaning heavily on Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon - both of whom had their moments but struggled with consistency.
Improving that group will be one of Gutekunst’s top offseason priorities. Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or both, the Packers need more stability and playmaking ability on the outside to complement their front seven.
That’s where the next defensive coordinator comes in. Whoever takes over will inherit a defense with a high ceiling - but also a few key areas that need development.
Leonhard, with his experience and familiarity with the region, could be a strong fit. He’s known for his ability to connect with players and scheme creatively, particularly in the secondary.
For the Packers, this hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about maximizing the window they have with a young, explosive defense. If Leonhard is the guy, he’ll be tasked with turning potential into production and helping Green Bay take the next step in a loaded NFC.