Zero2Cool
2 years ago

Leonhard was offered Green Bay’s defensive coordinator vacancy in 2021.

When Green Bay Packers  head coach Matt LaFleur took over the green and gold in 2019, he retained Mike McCarthy-era coordinator Mike Pettine, who lasted two years in the role before his contract was allowed to expire following the Packers’ playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers . LaFleur’s first choice to replace Pettine was then-Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who turned down the opportunity to stick with the Badgers .

Leonhard sticking at the college level looked like a solid decision this year when Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst was let go and Leonhard was made interim head coach for the remainder of the season. After starting the season 2-3 with Chryst, Leonhard coached the Badgers to a 4-3 finish under his watch.

Wisconsin stunned the world when they were able to hire Cincinnati’s head coach Luke Fickell — who was in the college football playoff the year before with the Bearcats — instead of Leonhard as their next face of the program. Since then, the question has lingered: Would Leonhard consider taking the Packers’ defensive coordinator job if it opened?

We got one step closer to seeing Leonhard in Green Bay on Tuesday night when he announced on Twitter that he would only remain with the Badgers through the team’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl versus Oklahoma State  on December 27th. At the time, it was speculated that Fickell was attempting to retain him as the team’s defensive coordinator. Leonhard, who has been a part of the coaching staff since 2016, will now be looking for a new job.

On Wisconsin! pic.twitter.com/lkgkPWmrO1 
— Jim Leonhard (@jimleonhard) December 7, 2022 

The Packers have struggled on defense this year, particularly in the run game. They’ve allowed 109 first downs on the ground under defensive coordinator Joe Barry, which leads the league. They have also conceded 2,012 rushing yards (second-most), 5.0 yards per carry (fourth-most) and 15 rushing touchdowns (fifth-most) in 2022.

While the job has yet to open, the thought of Barry being let go after the season isn’t going to leave the minds of Packers fans anytime soon. Should Green Bay move in that direction, Wisconsin’s native son, Leonhard, will be a name that will come up over and over again to fill the vacancy, as his connection to the state and LaFleur seems like a perfect match.

As far as Leonhard’s accomplishments at the college level go, here’s what Wisconsin’s team site had to say about his defenses  when he was named interim head coach:

In Leonhard’s five seasons as defensive coordinator, UW has ranked among the nation’s top five in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense four times. During that time, the Badgers rank third in scoring defense (17.3 points per game), first in total yards allowed (284.8 yards per game), first in pass efficiency defense (110.5), third in rushing defense (103.4 ypg) and first in opponents’ third down conversions (30.5%). Wisconsin has forced 112 turnovers over that span, tied for fourth-most among Power Five Conference teams.

Continue Reading @ justis.mosqueda 

justis.mosqueda wrote:



thoughts??
UserPostedImage
yooperfan
2 years ago
I'm just one of many Packers fans who has my fingers crossed.
Get rid of Joe and bring in Jim!
nerdmann
2 years ago

thoughts??

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 



Can he run the Fangio system?
“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
Zero2Cool
2 years ago

Can he run the Fangio system?

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 


Better yet, check this.

Conor Orr  @ConorOrr A few years ago, I did a story on how teams were trying to stop the evolution of RPOs. Almost everyone, pro or college, I spoke to said "ask Jim Leonhard." He's got a bright future ahead.
UserPostedImage
nerdmann
2 years ago



“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
Zero2Cool
2 years ago
That guy looks like a complete doofus. Then I went oh ... it's Peter B, not worth giving the view. NEXT!!
UserPostedImage
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
2 years ago
I don't know the Packers will make the change. I have a feeling they want to stick with Barry for another year. Gute and MLF will probably point to the injuries and say that's the reason for the subpar performance. They may also say they don't care about the run defense. They would prefer teams run against them instead of pass. (I am not sure I believe it.)
What frustrates me the most is the number of DC that have come through GB. Capers was ging to be the defensive guru. Fans loved the selection. Until they didn't. They screamed for his removal for a few years. 2017 was his last one.  Pettine was then going to resurrect the defense and people went crazy that he was selected. It didn't take long before fans hated his scheme. Calling it too passive. Hollering that players like King were playing 8 yards off the line when the line to gain was only 4 yards away. Therefore it must be a crappy scheme. Even though Pettine was in GB for only 3 seasons people called for him to be sent packing for at least 2 seasons.
Now it's Barry's turn. Granted some people questioned the hire.  Others loved it. He hasn't been in GB for 2 full years yet. As I said, it doesn't seem to be the "Packer's Way" to release him.

4 DCs in 7 seasons doesn't seem probable. 

 
UserPostedImage
Zero2Cool
2 years ago

I don't know the Packers will make the change. I have a feeling they want to stick with Barry for another year. Gute and MLF will probably point to the injuries and say that's the reason for the subpar performance. They may also say they don't care about the run defense. They would prefer teams run against them instead of pass. (I am not sure I believe it.)
What frustrates me the most is the number of DC that have come through GB. Capers was ging to be the defensive guru. Fans loved the selection. Until they didn't. They screamed for his removal for a few years. 2017 was his last one.  Pettine was then going to resurrect the defense and people went crazy that he was selected. It didn't take long before fans hated his scheme. Calling it too passive. Hollering that players like King were playing 8 yards off the line when the line to gain was only 4 yards away. Therefore it must be a crappy scheme. Even though Pettine was in GB for only 3 seasons people called for him to be sent packing for at least 2 seasons.
Now it's Barry's turn. Granted some people questioned the hire.  Others loved it. He hasn't been in GB for 2 full years yet. As I said, it doesn't seem to be the "Packer's Way" to release him.

4 DCs in 7 seasons doesn't seem probable.  

Originally Posted by: wpr 


Dom Capers → I liked solely because I respect the Steelers defense he was associated with. We were warned that after 2-3 seasons, his defenses seem to be toasted. 
Mike Pettine → I don't think I had any feeling at all good or bad. I felt Aaron Rodgers was premature with his "we got a defense now" after just one game. 
Joe Barry → Knowing he wasn't 1st choice didn't sit well with me, but I tried being optimistic.

I'm not sure I know the scheme, or even what plays are called for defense so it's hard for me to bemoan either. I will always complain about CB's being 5-7 yards away from WR's when it's X DOWN and less than 4 yards to go. I say you get up close, press from inside and make QB throw perfect pass towards sideline.

It's actually quite easy to defend the defense this season. Packers are 5th in passing yards and 30th in rush yards. And it is no secret the defense is aimed to keep everything in front of you and force long drives. That's probably why teams are usually able to get decent run yards and the middle of the field is open. The trouble is when the offense isn't putting up points and forcing teams to take risks, then the defense just gets chewed up and ends up being on the field far too long. Not many teams have the depth to mitigate the fatigue factor of an offense repeatedly going three and out.

That being said, I wouldn't mind a change in defensive philosophy. If that means new DC, so be it. I really like how I've seen the Giants approach defense. It seems like they are willing to murder someone to prevent a 1st down.
 
UserPostedImage
nerdmann
2 years ago
Dom has a 30 year history of fielding dominant defenses for the first 4 years, then falling off a cliff.

I don't think anyone "liked" the selection of Barry, per se. But keep in mind how reliable they were last year.
“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
2 years ago


Joe Barry → Knowing he wasn't 1st choice didn't sit well with me, but I tried being optimistic.

It's actually quite easy to defend the defense this season. Packers are 5th in passing yards and 30th in rush yards. And it is no secret the defense is aimed to keep everything in front of you and force long drives.
 

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 



Since everyone outside of Leonhard was going to be "Second Choice", it didn't bother me. He was probably hoping to become the Badgers HC so it made sense for him to take a wait and see attitude. However, after he said no, I think Barry was the Packers new "First Choice". It wasn't like the bares were a few years ago when 3 or 4 coaches laughed at them and turned down the HC gig. They are out out time and grabed the next guy walking past Halas Hall.

Stop the pass and allow the run is a reasonable philosophy IF the team is winning. If it's not winning then the defense needs to change. As we all know it takes all phases to win a game. The offense helps keep the defense off the field. The defense gives the offense good/great field position. The ST tries to not screw up.
If the offense isn't scoring then the defense needs to shut down the run as well as the pass.


 
UserPostedImage
Fan Shout
Zero2Cool (3h) : new site, text editor gooder even on phone
beast (4h) : Oh yes, sometimes they make using a cellphone tough. I just wanted to make sure it was the correct article, & thank you for pointing it out.
jdlax (5h) : I can't believe one of my teams went out and wablammo just up and acquired one of the best players in the world overnight
dfosterf (10h) : I do very much appreciate when Beast and others pick up my slack 😊
dfosterf (10h) : I accept Beast's admonishment regarding my failure to link stuff I reference. I simply never learned to link from my cell phone.
beast (10h) : That's not what your she said 😌, she said keep going 😏
Mucky Tundra (13h) : Anything over 4 hours means he needs to get to the hospital
Mucky Tundra (13h) : Someone might want to check on Hafley and make sure his erection has gone down
Zero2Cool (15h) : LaFleur texts "bleep me I cannot sit down"
Zero2Cool (15h) : YouTube has had me last hour or two lol
Mucky Tundra (16h) : Ugh this trade happened right as my shift started and it's killing me
Zero2Cool (16h) : Parsons wore 23 in high school.
Zero2Cool (16h) : Packers just cost Lions more money with Hutchinson too huh
Zero2Cool (17h) : That is fair by me.
buckeyepackfan (17h) : Kenny Clark is the player, 2 1st rnd picks
Zero2Cool (17h) : umm... what?
wpr (17h) : I am stunned
Mucky Tundra (17h) : RICKEY SCOOPS WAS RIGHT AGAIN!!!
Mucky Tundra (18h) : ITS HAPPENING
buckeyepackfan (18h) : DEAL IS DONE
buckeyepackfan (18h) : MICAH IS COMING TO GREEN BAY!!!!!!!!!
wpr (28-Aug) : Me do-ed it gooderly,
Zero2Cool (28-Aug) : Bahah, I was like WTF why isn't anyone posting on PP.com ... oops no one has permissions
dfosterf (27-Aug) : tell her I reckon
dfosterf (27-Aug) : Micah Robinson cut. Probable PS player tomorrow. Has to call mom back and t
Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : New site so much better. Might make switch and deal with it.
dfosterf (27-Aug) : Mecole Hardman to our practice squad
dfosterf (27-Aug) : Nick Nieman from Texans our 5th linebacker. Special teams signing
TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Looks like we signed Clayton Tune as QB3
wpr (27-Aug) : TKT people lose their minds over QB3. Point is almost none of them are ready that's why they are on the PS and other teams don't take them.
TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Unfortunately he doesn't seem ready to be an emergency QB.
TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : As a Canadian and a follower of Canadian University football. I am rooting for him
dfosterf (27-Aug) : I bet a lot of us will follow the Taylor Elgersma journey with interest. Personally, got a Kurt Warner vibe goin' on. I like him
TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Not sure if either will be claimed though.
TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Tune or Hooker would make sense
dfosterf (27-Aug) : Clayton Tune cut by the Cards? Don't know if that's the guy, we shall see
TheKanataThrilla (27-Aug) : Per Bill Huber, the Packers will not be bringing back Taylor Elgersma or Sean Clifford on the practice squad, so a new third quarterback
Mucky Tundra (27-Aug) : Schefter must have deleted his tweet
dfosterf (27-Aug) : Hopefully Jerry reaches under the seat cushions and ashtrays of his jet and scrapes up the 45 million apr and spares us further nonsense
dfosterf (27-Aug) : Have to admit the PO'd Cowboy fan videos would be fun to watch. Problem with draft picks is half their fanbase barely knows what that is
beast (27-Aug) : I think Cowboys fans are ready to get their pitch forks and burning sticks if Jerry were to trade Micah
dfosterf (27-Aug) : If Jerry traded Micah to GB, here in northern Va. they would have to quick build yet another data center to handle the internet hate traffic
Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : its signing and trades that you don't hear about, other then announced
Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : If you hear rumors about Packers sign or trade, won't happen. Not how they work
dfosterf (27-Aug) : 19 players in a contract year. Jones called loss to us worst loss in Cowboy history. Forget Parsons trade. Not happenin' Cap'n
packerfanoutwest (27-Aug) : The Packers, meanwhile, are the youngest team in the league for the third consecutive year.
dfosterf (27-Aug) : That it was darkest before the dawn in Bengals and Commanders before they got deals done
Zero2Cool (27-Aug) : what is Schefter saying?
dfosterf (27-Aug) : He was getting Dorito infusion therapy
dfosterf (27-Aug) : He's outta shape. Why, just the other day I saw him splayed out on the trainers table
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2025 Packers Schedule
Sunday, Sep 7 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Thursday, Sep 11 @ 7:15 PM
COMMANDERS
Sunday, Sep 21 @ 12:00 PM
Browns
Sunday, Sep 28 @ 7:20 PM
Cowboys
Sunday, Oct 12 @ 3:25 PM
BENGALS
Sunday, Oct 19 @ 3:25 PM
Cardinals
Sunday, Oct 26 @ 7:20 PM
Steelers
Sunday, Nov 2 @ 12:00 PM
PANTHERS
Monday, Nov 10 @ 7:15 PM
EAGLES
Sunday, Nov 16 @ 12:00 PM
Giants
Sunday, Nov 23 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Thursday, Nov 27 @ 12:00 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 7 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Sunday, Dec 14 @ 3:25 PM
Broncos
Friday, Dec 19 @ 11:00 PM
Bears
Friday, Dec 26 @ 11:00 PM
RAVENS
Saturday, Jan 3 @ 11:00 PM
Vikings
Recent Topics
6m / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

58m / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

1h / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

2h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

13h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

13h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

18h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

28-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

28-Aug / Feedback, Suggestions and Issues / Zero2Cool

27-Aug / Fantasy Sports Talk / Zero2Cool

27-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

27-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Cheesey

26-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

26-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

25-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.