The Green Bay Packers are back in the market for a defensive coordinator, and this time, they might just land the guy fans have been hoping for all along: Jim Leonhard.
If you rewind the clock five years, Leonhard was the hot name on just about every Packers fan’s wishlist. At the time, he was anchoring one of the top defenses in college football with the Wisconsin Badgers. But instead of making the leap to the NFL, he stayed in Madison, and Matt LaFleur turned to Joe Barry to lead the Packers' defense.
Fast forward to now, and the stars might finally be aligning. According to ESPN Milwaukee’s Jason Wilde, LaFleur wants to interview Leonhard for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator role.
There’s just one catch - NFL rules prevent LaFleur from speaking with Leonhard until after the AFC Championship Game. Leonhard is currently the Denver Broncos’ assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, and he’s got a big game to prepare for.
But once Denver’s season ends - whether that’s this weekend or after a potential Super Bowl run - the Packers are expected to make their move.
And let’s be clear: Leonhard would be a strong candidate for any team, but for Green Bay, he checks just about every box.
Leonhard’s coaching résumé is impressive. After a standout playing career as an NFL safety, he returned to his alma mater, Wisconsin, and quickly rose through the coaching ranks.
He started as the defensive backs coach, became the defensive coordinator, and even served as interim head coach. His defenses were consistently elite, finishing in the top 11 nationally in total defense in five of his six seasons as DC - including a No. 1 overall ranking in one of those years.
That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. Leonhard built defenses that were disciplined, physical, and smart - the kind of units that made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
When Sean Payton took over in Denver, he brought Leonhard on board, giving him his first NFL coaching gig. And once again, the results speak for themselves.
This season, the Broncos' pass defense has been one of the league’s best. They rank seventh in passing yards allowed, first in sacks, and sixth in passer rating allowed. Advanced metrics back it up too - Denver ranks seventh in defensive EPA per play, first in yards per play allowed, and second in explosive play rate allowed, per Sharp Football Analysis.
And it’s not like they’re playing it safe. Denver blitzes more than almost anyone - only Minnesota and Atlanta bring extra pressure more often.
Yet despite the aggression, they don’t give up big plays. That’s a testament to Leonhard’s ability to coach up the secondary and design a scheme that holds up under pressure.
That kind of approach could be a perfect fit in Green Bay. The Packers have talent on all three levels of their defense, but they need someone who can bring it all together - someone who can maximize their speed, versatility, and football IQ.
Leonhard could be that guy.
Think about the potential. You’ve got a dynamic chess piece in Micah Parsons, a versatile front that could thrive in a pressure-heavy scheme, and a young, talented secondary featuring Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard. Leonhard’s background with defensive backs would be a major asset in developing that group.
And don’t overlook linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. He racked up eight sacks and 17 tackles for loss in his final year at Texas A&M, and in a Leonhard-led defense that isn’t afraid to get creative with blitzes, Cooper could become a weapon.
There’s also the Wisconsin connection. Leonhard is a Badger through and through, and returning to his home state to lead the Packers’ defense might be the right opportunity at the right time. He reportedly turned down the job back in 2021, but circumstances change - and this time, the fit might be too good to pass up.
Of course, the Packers are casting a wide net. They’ve reportedly lined up interviews with Christian Parker, currently the Eagles’ defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator, and former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. Parker is viewed as a rising star in coaching circles, and Gannon brings head coaching experience to the table.
But Leonhard should be near the top of the list. He brings experience, leadership, and a proven ability to build top-tier defenses - both in college and now in the NFL. And if LaFleur is looking for a coach who can elevate this defense to a championship level, Leonhard might just be the guy to do it.
Green Bay fans have been dreaming of this pairing for years. Now, with the right timing and a clear opening, the Packers might finally be in position to make it happen.