The Green Bay Packers are rumored to be nearing the end of their search for their next defensive coordinator. As all fans are aware, embattled and unpopular defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired by head coach Matt LaFleur earlier this week. It was a move that many fans had hoped would be taken, but were unsure if the ever-loyal LaFleur would take
lasted three seasons before coming under heavy criticism this year. He was ultimately fired this week by LaFleur. Now, the job is open again and Leonhard is available, having moved on from Wisconsin after a coaching change there. Seems a simple proposition, one that has been gaining traction on social media and elsewhere—give the DC job to Leonhard.
Veteran Packers reporter Pete Dougherty is not ruling that out, but, he noted, it’s not that simple.
“I would think if LaFleur liked him enough to be ready to hire him three years ago, there’s good reason to think Leonhard would be a candidate this time, too,” Dougherty wrote in his mailbag this week. “On the other hand, LaFleur might not be interested after Leonhard basically turned him down last time – my understanding is, Leonhard wasn’t formally offered the job, but it was implied – and might be inclined to say, ‘Why would I want a guy who didn’t want to be here before?’”
Green Bay required permission to interview Durde and Babich from their respective teams. Whether or not an interview took place with either has not been reported. However, Babich has interviewed for the New York Giants defensive coordinator position and two other teams have asked the Cowboys for permission to interview Durde.
It is highly improbable that Green Bay went into the interview process with only four names. However, those were the only four names revealed to the public. Both Staley and Parker have actually interviewed for the position.
