The Green Bay Packers are eyeing a familiar face to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy - and the interest appears to go both ways. Jim Leonhard, currently serving as the associate head coach and defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos, has emerged as a top candidate for the job. According to insider reports, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there’s “mutual interest” between the Packers and Leonhard, setting the stage for what could be a homecoming with major implications.
But there’s a timing wrinkle. Leonhard’s Broncos are preparing for the AFC Championship Game, which means no formal interview can happen until after Sunday’s matchup, regardless of the outcome. That delay adds a layer of uncertainty, but it hasn’t cooled the buzz surrounding the potential move.
Leonhard’s name has been circulating as one of the most sought-after defensive coordinator candidates this hiring cycle - and for good reason. His track record speaks for itself.
From a standout playing career at Wisconsin to a respected run as the Badgers’ defensive coordinator, Leonhard has consistently proven he knows how to build and lead high-level defenses. His units were known for discipline, creativity, and toughness - traits that would mesh well with what Green Bay is looking to re-establish on that side of the ball.
The Packers, meanwhile, are in a pivotal moment. With a young core on defense and a team that showed real flashes of promise this past season, the right coordinator could be a difference-maker.
Bringing in someone like Leonhard - who not only understands the Xs and Os but also carries deep ties to the state - would be a move that resonates beyond the locker room. It’s the kind of hire that energizes a fan base and signals a commitment to building something sustainable.
For Wisconsin fans, this potential reunion hits on multiple levels. Leonhard is a beloved figure in Badgers lore, and seeing him return to the state - this time wearing green and gold - would be a full-circle moment. And for Packers fans, especially those who double as Badger diehards, the idea of Leonhard leading the defense brings both familiarity and fresh hope.
Still, Green Bay isn’t the only team in the mix. Leonhard is expected to have multiple suitors once the Broncos’ season ends, and while the Packers may have a strong pitch - including the emotional pull of a return home - they’ll need to come correct.
This isn’t a situation where they can assume it’s a done deal. The interest is real, but so is the competition.
Sunday night could bring clarity. Once the AFC title game is in the books, Leonhard’s next chapter will begin to take shape - and the Packers will know whether their top target is ready to come home.