Jim Leonhard Trending for NFL Defensive Coordinator Opening

The Green Bay Packers made a significant decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Joe Barry, according to Tom Pelissero, ending his three-year tenure with the organization. Among the fan and media discussions for a potential replacement, the name that has gained traction is Jim Leonhard, a former Wisconsin Badgers player and coach. 

Packers DC

Jim Leonhard
Rex Ryan
Jess Minter
Anthony Weaver

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 24, 2024

Three years ago, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur offered Leonhard the defensive coordinator job, but he chose to turn it down and remain with the University of Wisconsin in the same role. 

Does Leonhard’s snub sit poorly with LaFleur? Only he knows, but a rational option would be to see how they might align, given how much things have changed since that hiring cycle. 

Jim Leonhard Will Be a Hot Commodity on the Open Market

For Jim Leonhard, his coaching experience is primarily rooted in his time with Wisconsin, where he took on various roles, including defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator, and even served as interim head coach.

In his six seasons as the Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator, the program finished top 10 in points per game allowed four times, top 10 in total yardage four times, and routinely rolled out a dominant run defense.

Nowadays, Leonhard holds the position of senior analyst for Illinois football after being passed over by Chris McIntosh for the Wisconsin Badgers head coaching vacancy in favor of Luke Fickell.

Despite the temporary setback, Leonhard’s reputation as a formidable defensive mind remained intact. His track record includes consistently fielding one of the nation’s top defenses. That’s why he’s been targeted by numerous Power 4 programs for their defensive coordinator openings this offseason, to no avail.

This potential partnership is a perfect match for both sides. The Packers benefit from a familiar face in the fanbase, while head coach Matt LaFleur can direct his complete attention to the young, ascending offense.

LaFleur is primarily an offensive-minded coach, so having another young, reliable defensive coordinator like Jim Leonhard on staff could allow the Packers’ organization the opportunity to build on this past season.

While these could be mere rumors or optimistic wishes from Packers fans and the media, the prospect does make logical sense. Bringing in Wisconsin Badgers legend Jim Leonhard would be a move that both makes sense on paper and is an easy sell to the fanbase.

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