A surprising turn of events could directly benefit the New York Jets.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shared on social media that the Green Bay Packers “are hiring Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator.”
“The Packers land a new DC, rather than waiting for Jim Leonard,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport added.
Leonhard is the Denver Broncos assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator. He isn’t allowed to participate in an in-person interview until Monday, January 26, according to the NFL rules. That is because his team, the Broncos, is still alive in the NFL playoffs as they host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
Leonhard will be available to talk to teams he had previously spoken with over a virtual Zoom interview tomorrow if his team wins, because they will be on a bye. If the Broncos’ season ends, he will be available to speak with any team in the league.
Stunning Turn of Events Is Great News for the Jets
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed on Saturday, January 24, that things were bubbling between the Packers and Leonhard.
“There is mutual interest between the Packers and Jim Leonhard for their open DC job. One to watch,” Rapoport posted.
“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 on Saturday, January 24.
“While nothing is set, the hope is [that] 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 explained.
Those conversations never took place as Green Bay pivoted to a new, surprising direction.
This Opens the Door for the Jets to Make a Play
Leonhard checks off a lot of boxes.
He is young, still just 43 years of age, but he has play-calling experience. Leonhard held the defensive coordinator role at Wisconsin for six seasons.
The former Wisconsin product is someone who played in the NFL for a decade. He was praised for his football IQ and overall intelligence that he brought to the defensive backfield.
The NFL is a copycat league. When one team seemingly figures something out, the other 31 teams attempt to copy whatever they’re doing and attempt to replicate it.
The Jets should be no different.
There is an unbelievable amount of connective tissue between Leonhard and the Jets franchise. He played for the team when they were at the height of their powers (2009-11). Leonhard has worked under both Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey in Cleveland and Denver, respectively. Denver’s head coach Sean Payton is one of AG’s biggest mentors.
Leonhard obviously was interested enough in the Jets’ defensive coordinator role to take a virtual interview. Why wouldn’t he be interested in a second conversation? That is what the Jets should be hoping for.
Surprising Jim Leonhard Packers Plot Twist Opens Door for Jets