It’s been five years since the Green Bay Packers first had Jim Leonhard on their radar. Back in 2021, they were eyeing him as a potential replacement for Mike Pettine at defensive coordinator.
That move didn’t happen-Leonhard stayed in college, and the Packers went with Joe Barry instead. Jeff Hafley followed Barry, but now that Hafley has taken the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins, the DC seat in Green Bay is open once again.
And this time, the timing might finally be right for Leonhard.
Head coach Matt LaFleur is in the middle of his search for a new defensive coordinator, and while he hasn’t made a hire yet, there’s a name that keeps coming up: Jim Leonhard. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, there’s a reason things are moving slowly. LaFleur is reportedly waiting for the chance to speak with Leonhard, who is currently the Denver Broncos’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator.
League rules prevent any interviews with coaches still active in the playoffs, so Leonhard is off-limits until after the AFC Championship Game. But once that clock hits zero on Sunday-regardless of whether the Broncos win or lose-LaFleur will finally be able to make his move.
If Denver falls short, Leonhard becomes available immediately. If the Broncos advance to the Super Bowl, he can still interview but won’t be able to officially take a job until after the big game. Either way, the window to connect is just around the corner.
So why the wait? Why not move forward with someone else?
LaFleur has already interviewed former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, and if Gannon was the guy, the Packers could’ve locked him in by now. That hasn’t happened, and it’s telling.
As Demovsky put it, the longer this process drags on, the more it feels like LaFleur is holding out for Leonhard.
There’s also a personal angle that can’t be ignored. Leonhard’s family still lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
That’s not just a logistical perk-it’s a real-world factor that could make the Green Bay job even more appealing. Combine that with the opportunity to lead one of the NFL’s more promising young defenses, and you’ve got a pretty compelling pitch.
This isn’t a rebuild. The Packers’ defense has serious talent.
All-Pros like Micah Parsons and Xavier McKinney headline a unit that also features ascending playmakers like Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams. With the right leadership and a few offseason additions, this group has the potential to jump from good to elite.
Leonhard hasn’t called plays at the NFL level yet, but his résumé speaks volumes. During his time as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator, his units ranked in the top six nationally in four of six seasons.
Since joining the Broncos, he’s played a key role in shaping a secondary that’s helped fuel Denver’s postseason run. He’s not just coaching-he’s helping lead.
And now, the Packers may get another shot at bringing him home.
Green Bay’s interest in Leonhard never really went away. It just took a few years-and a few coaching changes-for the timing to line up.
Now, with Hafley off to Miami and the Broncos’ playoff fate soon to be decided, the door is open again. If LaFleur gets his way, and if the stars finally align, Packers fans might get the defensive mind they’ve been waiting for.