The Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator search is underway, with many around the league viewing it as the best coordinator job available in the NFL coaching carousel. While one potential target is off the board, a few others are emerging for Green Bay.
According to ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is “firmly in the mix” to become the Packers defensive coordinator after interviewing with the team this past week. Fowler also mentioned the strong ties head coach has to Raheem Morris and noted Denver Broncos pass-game coordinator Jim Leonhard is a “name to watch” in Green Bay’s search.
Related: Green Bay Packers Could Lose Another Top Coach to Miami Dolphins
Of the trio mentioned, Gannon is the only known candidate to have interviewed with the Packers. The 43-year-old did not call plays in Arizona, as his last time overseeing a defense and installing the game plan came during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles (2021–22).
From 2021–22, the Eagles defense ranked eighth in Defensive EPA per Play (0.027) but 19th in Success Rate (44.8%). In his final season as the play-caller for Philadelphia, the defense allowed the lowest yards-per-play average (4.8) and the sixth-lowest scoring rate (32.4%). It also ranked third in passer rating allowed (81.6), first in sack rate (11.2%), and 10th in points per drive allowed (1.78).
Related: Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Candidates to Replace Jeff Hafley
Leonhard, age 43, is a Wisconsin native and Badgers icon. He previously turned down an offer from LaFleur in 2021 to become the Packers defensive coordinator, opting to stay with his alma mater as interim head coach. During his time as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator (2017-2022), the Badgers had one of the best defenses in college football.
He’s spent the past two seasons working on the Broncos coaching staff, learning from well-regarded defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and picking things up from head coach Sean Payton. It’s unknown if he’s going to interview with Green Bay and clarity should come after the AFC Championship Game.
Leonhard, age 43, is a Wisconsin native and Badgers icon. He previously turned down an offer from LaFleur in 2021 to become the Packers defensive coordinator, opting to stay with his alma mater as interim head coach. During his time as the defensive coordinator for Wisconsin (2017–2022), the Badgers had one of the best defenses in college football.
Related: Green Bay Packers Could Poach Minnesota Vikings Assistant
He has spent the past two seasons working on the Broncos coaching staff, learning from well-regarded defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and picking things up from head coach Sean Payton. It is unknown if he is going to interview with Green Bay, and clarity should come after the AFC Championship Game.
Morris, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach, is beloved around the league by both players and his peers. If Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is hired as a head coach, there is reason to believe that Morris could return to Los Angeles, where he coached before landing in Atlanta.
Other names brought in for interviews in the Packers coaching search who are at least known are Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris. Green Bay also met with Christian Parker, but he agreed to become the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
One thing that’s worth noting, back in 2024 there was no leaks regarding Green Bay interviewing Jeff Hafley before he was hired. So, there’s a possibility that Green Bay ultimately hires someone without an interview ever being made public.
