Jan. 23, 2026, 11:28 a.m. CT
The Green Bay Packers are expected to wait until Jim Leonhard is available to interview before Matt LaFleur makes a decision on his next defensive coordinator.
While on the “Wilde & Tausch” show on ESPN Madison on Friday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN said he believes LaFleur will “talk to a lot of guys” in the defensive coordinator search and Leonhard — who currently is on staff with the Denver Broncos and preparing for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game — is a top candidate.
“I don’t think anything happens until he can talk to Jim Leonhard. I think Jim Leonhard is high on his list,” Demovsky said.
The Packers cannot talk to or interview Leonhard until the Broncos are eliminated. Even if the Broncos win Sunday, Demovsky was not sure if the Packers (or any other team) could interview Leonhard during the Super Bowl bye week — potentially forcing LaFleur to wait longer before talking with one of his top candidates.
Leonhard, who was a top candidate during LaFleur’s search for a defensive coordinator in 2021, is currently the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator under Vance Joseph with the Broncos. He originally joined Sean Payton’s staff in 2024.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
The Packers’ methodical search could cost them other candidates. Christian Parker, who interviewed with the Packers this week, is already expecting to take the defensive coordinator job with the Dallas Cowboys.
Among those who have reportedly interviewed with the Packers are Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, Bears pass game coordinator Al Harris and former Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. Demovsky believes Gannon is a top candidate for the job.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Gannon is “firmly in the mix” for the Packers.