Jets Get Bad News in Jim Leonhard Pursuit After Packers Update

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Former New York Jets defensive back Jim Leonhard posing for a photo ahead of the 2011 NFL season.

The New York Jets’ pursuit of Jim Leonhard hit a snag this week.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Green Bay Packers have entered the Leonhard sweepstakes in an attempt to fill their vacant defensive coordinator role.

“Green Bay lost its defensive coordinator to Miami when the Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as their next head coach. The Packers have conducted a few interviews already, including with former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and Bears assistant Al Harris. There also 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,” Rapoport wrote.

“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 added.

On social media, Rapoport said this is “one to watch.”

Some More Context Into the Leonhard – Packers Budding Romance

Leonhard, 43, was born and raised in Wisconsin. He spent four years with the Badgers in college. After going undrafted in 2005, Leonhard spent a decade in the NFL as a player.

Immediately following his playing career, Leonhard returned home to coach his alma mater. The former safety started his coaching career as a defensive backs coach. In 2017, he also became the team’s defensive coordinator.

In 2021, Leonhard had a chance to go back to the pros as the DC of the Packers. Wendell Ferreira of A-to-Z Sports revealed that Leonhard was “offered” the job but he “refused.”

“At the time, he was the Wisconsin Badgers’ defensive coordinator and hoped to become the head coach. He eventually became the interim HC in 2022, but wasn’t retained,” Ferreira wrote.

He spent one more season in college with Illinois in 2023 and then jumped to the NFL level in 2024. Leonhard has been with the Broncos for the last two seasons.

“His family still lives in Madison, Wisconsin, so it makes more sense for Leonhard on a personal level to take the job this time around,” Ferreira explained.

Tough Break for the Jets

The green and white seemingly had an inside track to Leonhard.

He spent three seasons with the Jets as a player in the glory years from 2009 through 2011. Leonhard crossed over with Aaron Glenn at the beginning of his coaching career with the Cleveland Browns, as Jim’s playing days were wrapping up.

General manager Darren Mougey crossed over with Leonhard in Denver. The head coach of the Broncos, Sean Payton, is a mentor to AG.

All of the connective tissue appeared to be there to potentially help grease the wheels for a potential reunion in New York.

However, it doesn’t look good at this moment in time.

The Jets appear to have their eyes set on veteran coach Wink Martindale. He was scheduled to fly to New York on Saturday, January 24, to meet with the Jets for an in-person interview for the vacant DC role.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini said, “It wouldn’t be [a] surprise if a deal is wrapped up within 24 hours.”