Why Packers' search for new defensive coordinator goes beyond Xs and Os

Why Packers' search for new defensive coordinator goes beyond Xs and Os

Green Bay's pursuit of a new defensive coordinator is well underway. Here are some of the factors that could influence Matt LaFleur's decision.

Packers Defensive Coordinator Search: Ex-players Make Endorsements

Updated Jan. 23, 2026, 7:55 p.m. CT As the Green Bay Packers continue their search for a new defensive coordinator, two former players are making their endorsements known. One-time teammates, Mike Daniels and Vince Biegel, took to social media this week to back two people that would be popular with fans. Daniels, a former Pro Bowl defensive tackle who played seven years in Green Bay from 2012-18, supports former Packers cornerback Al Harris. “D…

Is Jim Leonard Finally Coming Home to Green Bay?

The Packers DC search just got very real. Ian Rapoport is reporting mutual interest between Green Bay and Wisconsin native Jim Leonard, currently Denver's defensive pass game coordinator. Both sides are hoping to meet after the AFC Championship game, and this one feels like it's heading toward a done deal. Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy lands his dream job in Pittsburgh, and Aaron Rodgers now has every reason to come out of retirement for a reunion wi…

Packers Hiring Jonathan Gannon As Defensive Coordinator

According to Tom Pelissero, the Packers are hiring former Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon as their defensive coordinator.  There was a report that there was mutual interest between Green Bay and Broncos secondary coach Jim Leonhard, who had strong ties to Wisconsin. However, Ian Rapoport says the Packers didn’t want to wait and chance missing out.  Instead they’re hiring Gannon, who was among a number of notable coaches in line for this position.  …

How Risky Is It For Matt LaFleur To Wait Around For Jim Leonhard?

Putting all your eggs into one basket can be a dicey proposition. Still, it sounds like Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers will wait until they can talk to the Denver Broncos’ Jim Leonhard before deciding on their defensive coordinator opening. It’s quite the risk when considering all the factors. Appearing on Wilde and Tausch Friday, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky laid out how he believes the Packers are waiting for Leonhard. I don’t think anything ha…

Green Bay Packers Could Get Preferred Defensive Coordinator After Latest New York Jets Update

The Green Bay Packers, like many NFL teams, are busily searching for their next defensive coordinator. Jeff Hafley, who held the role in Green Bay over the past two seasons, recently took the head coaching job of the Miami Dolphins, prompting Matt LaFleur to look for the fourth defensive coordinator in what will be his eighth season as the Packers head coach. Of course, there are numerous candidates that the team wants to interview, and even mor…