The Green Bay Packers are reportedly eyeing Jim Leonhard as a top candidate for their vacant defensive coordinator position, following Jeff Hafley’s departure to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. According to multiple reports, there is mutual interest between Leonhard and the Packers, with discussions expected to take place after the AFC Championship game.
Leonhard’s Background and Connection to the Green Bay Packers
Jim Leonhard, currently the Denver Broncos’ defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach, has a strong connection to Wisconsin. A native of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Leonhard played safety for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2001 to 2004 before embarking on a decade-long NFL career. He later returned to his alma mater as a coach, serving in various roles, including defensive coordinator and interim head coach, from 2016 to 2022.
Leonhard was previously linked to the Packers’ defensive coordinator role in 2021 but turned down the opportunity to remain with the Badgers. After leaving Wisconsin in 2022, he spent a year as a senior football analyst at Illinois before joining the Broncos in 2024.
Why Leonhard Is a Strong Candidate
Leonhard’s coaching resume makes him an appealing option for the Packers. During his time with the Broncos, he helped develop one of the NFL’s top pass defenses. His experience as a play-caller at Wisconsin and his success in Denver have positioned him as one of the league’s most promising young defensive minds.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport described Leonhard as “one of the top defensive coordinator candidates” and noted that his ties to Wisconsin make him a natural fit for the Packers. “The hope is both sides can get together for a discussion after Sunday’s AFC title game,” Rapoport said.
The Packers’ Search for a New Defensive Coordinator
Leonhard is one of several candidates linked to the Packers’ defensive coordinator vacancy. Green Bay has already interviewed former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris, and Vikings assistant Daronte Jones. However, Leonhard’s combination of experience, local ties, and potential for long-term success makes him a standout candidate.
The Packers are reportedly waiting to make a decision until they can speak with Leonhard, who is currently focused on the Broncos’ playoff run. Denver faces the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game this Sunday.
What’s Next?
If Leonhard and the Packers move forward with discussions, he would bring a fresh approach to Green Bay’s defense, which has seen mixed results in recent years. His ability to develop talent and implement effective schemes could help the Packers build on the foundation laid by Hafley.
For now, Packers fans will have to wait until after the AFC Championship game to see if Leonhard becomes the next defensive coordinator in Green Bay. With mutual interest reportedly in place, the possibility of Leonhard returning to Wisconsin in a coaching capacity appears to be gaining momentum.
