Packers: Jim Leonhard turns down defensive coordinator job

Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was considered one of the frontrunners to take the same job with the Green Bay Packers.

However, that conversation is now over. According to Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal, Leonhard has turned down the opportunity.

Oates added that Leonhard is committed to his current role with the Badgers.

This is a blow to the Packers who are searching for their next defensive coordinator after deciding not to renew Mike Pettine’s contract at the end of the season. Given Leonhard’s track record in Wisconsin, he could’ve been a great hire.

With Leonhard out of the running, a name to watch is Los Angeles Rams safeties coach Ejiro Evero.

According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Leonhard and Evero were considered the top candidates by the Packers. Time will tell which direction head coach Matt LaFleur will decide to go in, but it sure seems Evero is now the favorite for the job.

Evero has done a great job with the Rams in recent years and could be an excellent choice as defensive coordinator.

He’s also worked with some of the best defensive coordinators around the league in recent years including Vic Fangio, Wade Phillips, and this past season Brandon Staley. The Rams had the league’s best scoring defense in 2020.

Evero has coached in the NFL for a number of years, something that can’t be said of Leonhard.

Whether Evero indeed becomes the Packers’ next defensive coordinator remains to be seen. LaFleur has considered a number of candidates as he searches for the coach who can bring his vision for Green Bay’s defense to life.

We now know Leonhard won’t be the hire. However, Evero would also be an excellent choice and he could help take this defense to the next level in 2021.