Familiar Face Emerges in Packers’ Defensive Coordinator Search
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers are in the market for a new defensive coordinator, and a name that resonates with Wisconsin football fans is officially in the mix.
According to reports, the Packers have interviewed a former University of Wisconsin assistant coach for the position. That candidate?
None other than Jim Leonhard - a name that carries weight not just in Madison, but across the state. Leonhard, known for his sharp defensive mind and leadership during his time with the Badgers, has reportedly met with the Packers as they look to reshape their defensive staff.
Leonhard’s connection to the Packers isn’t new. He was previously approached by the team for a role on Matt LaFleur’s staff but turned it down at the time. Now, with the defensive coordinator seat open, the timing might finally align.
This latest development comes as the Packers continue to evaluate their coaching staff following the departure of defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Barry, who had led the unit since 2021, was not retained after the season ended, opening the door for a new voice to take over a defense loaded with young talent and high expectations.
Leonhard, who played safety in the NFL for a decade, has built a strong résumé as a coach. He served as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022 and even held the interim head coach title in 2022 after Paul Chryst’s departure. His defenses were consistently among the best in the nation, known for their discipline, physicality, and ability to adapt - qualities the Packers could use as they aim to elevate their defensive identity.
Adding intrigue to the Packers’ search is the fact that Leonhard has remained selective about his next move. After stepping away from coaching in 2023 to recover from hip surgery, he’s taken a deliberate approach to re-entering the game. That patience, combined with his deep football IQ and ties to the state, make him a compelling candidate for Green Bay.
Leonhard isn’t the only name in the mix. Reports also indicate that the Packers interviewed former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Gannon, who spent one season in Arizona, is known for his work as a defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped guide them to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2022 season. His experience at both the coordinator and head coach levels gives him a different kind of résumé - one that could appeal to a franchise looking to blend youth development with schematic versatility.
The Packers’ decision to move on from Barry signals a desire for a fresh approach. Under Barry, Green Bay’s defense showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, particularly in run defense and situational football. With a young core that includes players like Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander, and Quay Walker, the next coordinator will be tasked with unlocking the unit’s full potential - and doing so quickly.
Head coach Matt LaFleur, who recently signed a reported contract extension, is clearly taking a hands-on role in reshaping his staff. With the offense showing signs of growth under Jordan Love, the defense is now the next piece of the puzzle. Whether that means bringing in a seasoned NFL mind like Gannon or going with a homegrown leader like Leonhard remains to be seen.
What’s clear is this: the Packers are being intentional with this hire. They know what’s at stake. With a young quarterback on the rise, a solid offensive foundation, and a defense full of first-round talent, the right coordinator could be the difference between a playoff team and a true contender.
And if that coordinator ends up being someone who already knows what it means to represent Wisconsin football? That’s just the kind of full-circle story that tends to resonate in Green Bay.