Breaking News: Packers To Shut Down Fan-Favorite Coach After Past Rejection
Three years ago, Matt LaFleur of the Packers attempted to entice Jim Leonhard, the defensive coordinator for Wisconsin and a 10-year NFL veteran, to join Green Bay in the same capacity. Leonhard engaged in the interview process with LaFleur and other members of the organization, and the job was essentially his if he chose to accept it. However, he ultimately declined the offer. Subsequently, LaFleur hired Joe Barry as the Packers’ defensive coordinator.
After three seasons, Barry faced substantial criticism this year and was ultimately dismissed by LaFleur. With the position now open again and Leonhard available following his departure from Wisconsin due to a coaching change, there’s a growing sentiment, especially on social media, advocating for Leonhard to be appointed to the defensive coordinator role.
While veteran Packers reporter Pete Dougherty doesn’t rule out the possibility, he points out that the situation is not as straightforward as it may seem. Dougherty suggests that if LaFleur was keen on hiring Leonhard three years ago, there’s a good chance Leonhard would be considered again this time. However, there’s also the possibility that LaFleur may not be interested, given that Leonhard turned down the implied offer in the past. LaFleur might question the desirability of hiring someone who previously chose not to join the team.
Listen, I have no idea if the Packers are going to interview Jim Leonhard again or if they have any interest. I also have no idea if Leonhard is interested in the job. But to say he's not a quality candidate when the Packers literally offered him the job last time & the Eagles…
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) January 26, 2024
Jim Leonhard a Popular Candidate for Packers Defensive Coordinator
Jim Leonhard’s name quickly emerged as a potential candidate immediately after Joe Barry’s dismissal on Wednesday. Having left Wisconsin in 2022, Leonhard spent the previous year working as a consultant for Illinois, a position considered less prestigious. The prevailing sentiment is that if Matt LaFleur still has an interest in Leonhard, it would be a straightforward decision for him to accept the job this time around.
Leonhard enjoys significant support, not only due to his local roots but also because of his unique perspective as a former player. Originating as a walk-on at Wisconsin, Leonhard transformed that opportunity into a successful NFL career, starting for five different teams.
Andy Herman, owner of the PackaDay Podcast, expressed his thoughts on Twitter/X, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding the Packers’ interest in Leonhard. While Herman is uncertain about whether the Packers will interview Leonhard again or if there’s mutual interest, he finds it peculiar to dismiss Leonhard as a quality candidate. Herman points out that the Packers had previously offered Leonhard the job, and other teams, such as the Eagles, had shown strong interest in him just last year for a defensive coordinator role.
Away From the NFL For 10 Years
The issue with Leonhard lies in the fact that his coaching experience has been confined to seven years at the same college. While his inspiring NFL career and youthful age of 41 suggest potential for increased energy and innovation compared to Barry, the concern arises from his lack of NFL involvement over the past decade. With the Packers establishing themselves as a playoff threat at the conclusion of the 2023 season, the question arises: is taking a chance on him worth the gamble?
According to Dougherty, Leonhard is indeed an intriguing candidate. Despite his successful tenure as a defensive coordinator at Wisconsin and a decade-long playing experience in the NFL, his absence from the league since 2014 may pose a challenge. Transitioning from a decade away from the NFL directly into a defensive coordinator role could entail a learning curve.