As of Championship Sunday, the New York Jets are still in the hunt for their next defensive coordinator - and the list of potential suitors for one of the league’s most intriguing candidates is starting to shrink.
The Jets have already interviewed eight candidates for the job, and one name continues to stand out: Jim Leonhard. The former Jets safety has built a strong reputation in coaching circles, first as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator and more recently as Denver’s defensive pass game coordinator. He’s a rising star in the coaching world, and with his blend of schematic savvy and player development chops, it’s no surprise he’s in high demand.
That demand, however, might be working in the Jets’ favor - at least for now.
Dallas recently hired Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, despite not having interviewed him in New York. That decision took one job off the table and slightly nudged the Jets closer to landing their top target.
Now, another domino has fallen. According to multiple reports, the Green Bay Packers are hiring Jonathan Gannon - the former Arizona Cardinals head coach - as their new defensive coordinator.
That’s two high-profile DC openings filled without Leonhard being scooped up.
For the Jets, that’s a win.
Leonhard had interviewed for both the Cowboys and Packers DC jobs, so seeing those teams go in other directions gives New York a clearer path to land him. But there’s a catch - and it’s a big one. Because Leonhard is currently on staff with the Denver Broncos, who are still alive in the postseason, NFL rules prohibit teams from conducting in-person interviews or making official hires until the Broncos’ playoff run ends.
Denver is set to face New England in the AFC Championship Game, so until that game is played, Leonhard remains in a holding pattern. The Jets, if they’re serious about bringing him aboard, will have to wait - and hope no other team jumps the line once he becomes available.
That’s easier said than done.
There are still several defensive coordinator openings across the league, including with the Chargers, Commanders, Titans, and 49ers. On top of that, teams currently searching for head coaches may also shake up their defensive staffs once those top jobs are filled.
So while the Jets’ odds of landing Leonhard have improved - thanks to Green Bay and Dallas making their moves - this is far from a done deal. The Jets’ front office will need to stay patient, stay aggressive, and be ready to pounce the moment Leonhard becomes available.
For now, the waiting game continues. But with two major contenders out of the race, the Jets are inching closer to potentially bringing one of the most coveted young defensive minds back to where his NFL journey began.