The Packers just couldn't wait for at least an interview with Jim Leonhard, could they? Impatience may be the keyword for the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon for the Packers. Matt LaFluer had to wait until after the AFC Championship game before he could talk to Leonhard, as NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said yesterday, there was mutual interest between the two parties. He couldn't do it and settled for a less-than-exciting hire.
Packers are hiring former Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon as their defensive coordinator, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2026
Jim Leonhard and the Green Bay Packers would have been an amazing fit
There was a lot of noise and excitement about the former Wisconsin player and coach, Leonhard, becoming the Packers' next defensive coordinator. Not just from Wisconsin Badger fans, who are also Green Bay Packers fans, but also around the league. Leonhard is one of the hot names out there for defensive coordinator positions.
Yet, now two teams have already been crossed off due to impatience. The Cowboys were also reported to have been interested in interviewing Leonhard, but decided not to wait. Add the Packers now to the impatient list, too. In fact, ESPN reports, that's exactly why the Packers hired Gannon, "if the Packers had waited any longer, they might have lost out on Gannon..." Because he was drawing other interest (supposedly).
Sure, maybe LaFleur would have still picked Gannon, but to not at least wait for the interview seems very ill-advised. It was literally just a few more hours to wait, as even if the Denver Broncos win and head to the Super Bowl, Leonhard would have been allowed to interview.
LaFleur was already on thin ice with many Packers fans, and if he whiffs on this hire when he could have had a local legend, it will only crack the ice, and LaFleur will fall through. Due diligence would have even scored him some points, but now the story will be that LaFleur's impatience led to this.
Hopefully, it works out for all parties. Leonhard will have plenty of other opportunities for other patient teams like the Steelers, Giants, and Jets. So, he could land a sweet NFL DC job soon anyway. And maybe Gannon will be the right hire for LaFleur and the Packers, but the first taste of coffee this morning after hearing this news was extra bitter.