Ed Werder suggested a few days ago that Green Bay should consider former Badger Jim Leonhard for defensive coordinator if Matt LaFleur were fired. The scenario would promote current defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to the head coach position. However, Green Bay decided to keep LaFleur, so the scenario died in the water.
Then, Hafley was hired away from the Packers by the Miami Dolphins, opening the door for LaFleur to hire a new defensive coordinator. Now, there's a ton of buzz about bringing Leonhard back home to the state of Wisconsin.
Most of the buzz is coming from fans who want to see it happen, but some NFL pundits have said it is a very likely scenario.
Jim Leonhard is a name to watch in Green Bay https://t.co/90PFZ0DYz9
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 18, 2026
Could Jim Leonhard be the next defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers?
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Leonhard is from Ladysmith, Wisconsin, played for the Wisconsin Badgers, and eventually even coached there. In an alternate universe, he's currently the head coach for the Badgers. It was close to happening, but Chris McIntosh ended up going with Luke Fickell instead. Leonhard went to the NFL and is now part of the Denver Broncos coaching staff.
He's got a lot of options as soon as the Broncos are eliminated (or have won the Super Bowl). The Jets have been rumored to want him as the next defensive coordinator, the Cowboys also have him on the shortlist, and now Green Bay.
If those are the options, it feels like Green Bay would have to be the favorite as Leonhard could come home. Be part of helping the team he watched on TV as a child in his home-state. But until the buzz turns into real noise, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out and if the Packers are willing to wait out the NFL Playoffs for him.