It makes too much sense.  Jim Leonhard would be a perfect fit as the Packers defensive coordinator. Leonhard is currently the pass game coordinator and assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos.  Now many people will think two things: 1. They will think that since he is currently an assistant head coach that he will never take a job as a defensive coordinator and 2. They will think that offering him the job would be preposterous since he declined the job offer after Mike Pettine left. Leonhard would take the job because his family still lives outside of Madison and the commute back and forth to Denver the last two years has to be brutal. The reason Leonhard declined the job back in 2021 was because he ultimately wanted to be the head coach at Wisconsin. Obviously, when that didn’t materialize, he found a landing spot on Bret Bielema’s staff at Illinois before Sean Payton hired him in Denver. The reason why Leonhard would be perfect is because he exudes everything that a coach wants from a player. Here’s a guy that played at tiny Flambeau High School. Last year, the high school had 129 students tucked in Tony, WI.  Even though he was an All-State player his junior and senior seasons, he was a walk-on for the Wisconsin Badgers. He had to prove that he belonged each and every day. He played high school football at the Division 6 level. There were some that thought that the small town kid wouldn’t be able to translate to Big Ten football.  He kept working and proving people wrong. He wasn’t awarded a scholarship until his senior season. He finished his career at Wisconsin tied with the most interceptions in school history with Jamar Fletcher with 21. His 11 interceptions in 2002 led the nation and also tied a Big Ten single season record.  He went undrafted, but in 2008 he got his chance with the Ravens. He started 13 of 16 games and returned a pick for a touchdown. The next year, he signed a three-year deal with the Jets and in 2009 he made 66 tackles and had 2.5 sacks. Injuries limited him in 2010 and 2011 before he ultimately finished  out his career in 2014 with the Browns.  “Jim Leonhard is special,” said former Jets head coach Rex Ryan in 2009. “He’s a smart, tough, passionate guy. You try to build your team with those kinds of players.” Leonhard is the guy that wasn’t supposed to make it, but ultimately did only because of effort and hard work. Those are qualities that need to be dripping off of defensive players. And if anyone can get defensive players to understand those two qualities, it’s Leonhard.  The Broncos were ranked seventh by only giving up 187 passing yards a game this year and they also led the league with 68 sacks. The Packers need a lot of help in stopping the pass and bringing in Leonhard would be a great step.  It’s time for Leonhard to come back home. More importantly, it’s time for someone to be an example of effort and hard work.  This locker room has been in dire need of a reboot and Leonhard is the perfect guy to do that. There are so many guys that act like they are entitled that they belong. Leonhard had to prove at each level that he belonged and it’s that mindset that will make the Packers a stronger and more competitive group.    Filed Under: Packers NewsFeaturedGreen Bay PackersCory JennerjohnCory's Corner   PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE. __________________________ Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn __________________________ NFL Categories: Green Bay PackersTags: Green Bay PackersJim Leonhard Like 0 points