In an alternate universe, Jim Leonhard is currently coaching the Wisconsin Badgers instead of Luke Fickell. That path was rumored, even considered, and yet ultimately rejected for the former Badger player and defensive coordinator. He has instead been hanging out in the NFL and is headed to the AFC Championship game with the Denver Broncos as the assistant head coach & defensive passing game coordinator.
He's also been actively interviewing for defensive coordinator positions in the NFL. This has led Ed Werder, a retired NFL insider, to theorize a placement that would thrill many Wisconsin fans. Why? Werder suggests he would be the Packers' primary contender for defensive coordinator if current defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley becomes the head coach.
Packers could be contenders for former Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard if current GB DC Jeff Hafley is hired as a HC. https://t.co/tNAxxDsOHW
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) January 17, 2026
Jim Leonhard would return to the state of Wisconsin even if it's not the Badgers
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Not all Wisconsin Badger fans are also Green Bay Packers fans, but most are, and would love to see Leonhard come back to the state of Wisconsin. He would also be a homerun hire for the Packers if Werder's idea works itself out.
Leonhard has been interviewing for NFL roles even while actively helping his Denver Broncos towards the Super Bowl. He's interviewed with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and even lately has been rumored as a potential addition to John Harbaugh's coaching staff, now that he's been hired as the head coach of the New York Giants.
Leonhard is looking, and yet, the best option that would make Wisconsin fans the most excited would be to see him wearing Packers green on the sidelines of Lambeau Field. Even if there are many who wish the alternate universe of him as the Badgers' head coach were real. For now, Green Bay may be the next best option.