Jim Leonhard Misses Out on Packers DC Job as Green Bay Tabs Jonathan Gannon
The Green Bay Packers made a decisive move to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy, hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. It’s a swing for experience, and one that leaves Wisconsin fans wondering what might’ve been-especially with Jim Leonhard once again on the outside looking in.
Leonhard, a Wisconsin native and former Badgers star who later became the program’s defensive coordinator and interim head coach, had mutual interest in the Packers job. But for the second time in recent years, Green Bay went in a different direction.
Let’s break this down.
Gannon Brings NFL Experience-And Timing Was Everything
After former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley left for the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wasted no time. He moved quickly to secure Gannon, whose résumé includes leading the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense during their Super Bowl run and most recently serving as head coach in Arizona.
While Leonhard was certainly on the radar, the timing didn’t work in his favor. He’s currently coaching with the Denver Broncos as their defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach.
With the Broncos still alive in the AFC playoffs at the time of Green Bay’s decision, Leonhard was unavailable for interviews. That window closed fast once LaFleur zeroed in on Gannon.
It’s a tough break for Leonhard, who’s long been seen as a rising star in coaching circles. His name has come up in NFL conversations before-this isn’t the first time the Packers have shown interest. Back in 2021, he was reportedly in the mix for the same role, but Green Bay went another direction then, too.
What This Means for Leonhard
Leonhard’s coaching stock remains strong. After parting ways with Wisconsin in 2022 following a stint as interim head coach, he made the leap to the NFL and has been steadily building his reputation under Sean Payton and Vance Joseph in Denver.
He’s expected to draw interest from other teams once the Broncos’ season ends. Until then, he remains under contract and ineligible to accept any new position. But with his defensive acumen and NFL experience now growing, it’s only a matter of time before another opportunity presents itself.
Wisconsin Roots, NFL Future
For Badgers fans, Leonhard’s coaching journey is still one to watch closely. While Wisconsin moved forward with Luke Fickell as head coach, Leonhard’s name has never drifted far from the hearts of fans. And although Fickell’s tenure hasn’t taken off as hoped just yet, there’s renewed optimism around the program with recent NIL developments.
Still, Leonhard’s path appears to be leading him further into the NFL. And while it won’t be in Green Bay this time, the door remains wide open for him to land a coordinator role elsewhere-perhaps even a head coaching shot down the line.
For now, though, the Packers have their guy in Gannon. And Jim Leonhard?
He’ll stay the course, finish what he started in Denver, and wait for the next call. It may not be long.