Packers rumor from Ian Rapoport links Broncos assistant to Green Bay's DC job

The Green Bay Packers are looking for a new defensive coordinator after Jeff Hafley left the franchise to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

There are a few intriguing candidates the Packers could consider hiring to replace Hafley as defensive coordinator, but it looks like head coach Matt LaFleur has his eyes on a Denver Broncos assistant.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, there is a mutual interest between Green Bay and Broncos defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard.

Rapoport adds that Leonhard and the Packers hope to meet after the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, where Denver will host the New England Patriots.

"There is mutual interest between the Packers and Wisconsin native and ex-Badgers star Jim Leonhard, who currently is Denver’s defensive pass game coordinator/assistant head coach. While nothing is set, the hope is both sides can get together for a discussion after Sunday’s AFC title game. With Leonhard’s ties to the state, this one makes sense. Leonhard is considered to be one of the top defensive coordinator candidates," Rapoport said.

Leonhard has been on the Broncos' coaching staff since 2024, helping lead one of the NFL's premier pass defense units. The 43-year-old also served as the interim head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers in 2022, giving him some head-coaching experience in the collegiate ranks.

Green Bay has already interviewed former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris for their defensive coordinator job, but Leonhard would be the best hire out of the bunch.

Leonhard is still young, but already has a ton of experience and could develop into an NFL head coach one day. The Packers could use a fresh approach on defense, and Leonhard would provide that.

His work with the Broncos over the last two seasons speaks for itself. Leonhard is one of the top young defensive minds in football and would be a home-run defensive coordinator hire from LaFleur and Green Bay.

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