Wisconsin great Barry Alvarez wants Jim Leonhard back coaching in the Badger state.
During an appearance on ESPN Madison, Alvarez gave his endorsement for the Green Bay Packers to hire Leonhard to fill their vacant defensive coordinator position.
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“If I’m Matt LaFleur, I’m going to get the best coach I can get, and that’s (Jim) Leonhard,” Alvarez said. “I think everybody’s recognized his ability. They respect what he’s accomplished, his knowledge. If you can get Jimmy Leonhard, they need to go get him.”
Leonhard is currently wrapping up his second season as one of the Denver Broncos’ top defensive assistants. He joined the franchise in 2024 as its defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, then added assistant head coach duties in 2025. His secondary unit finished the 2025 regular season ranked seventh in the NFL in pass defense (187.2 yards allowed per game). The team’s overall defense allowed just 278.2 total yards per game, good for the second-best in the league. The Broncos are currently preparing to host the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley took the Miami Dolphins head coaching job following the 2025 campaign. The team is looking to maintain strong form on that side of the football, entering a 2026 season that could be critical to LaFleur’s future with the franchise.
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Leonhard interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator job earlier this month. He should be one of the top candidates available during the upcoming coordinator hiring cycle.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin great Barry Alvarez on Jim Leonhard for Packers coordinator
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