The Green Bay Packers parted ways with Mike Pettine, so who could now step in as the defensive coordinator to try and shore up that side of the ball?
Throughout the 2020 regular season, there were once again calls for the Green Bay Packers to cut ties with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. However, when his defense once again looked ill-prepared in the NFC Championship Game, that was apparently the final straw.
On Friday, the Packers announced that Pettine would not be returning for the 2021 season — in addition to dismissing special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga. Now the team can venture forward with a new defensive coordinator to try and remedy the issues (running the ball, poor coverage designs, etc.) on that side of the ball.
From internal hires to a number of intriguing alternatives, let’s take a look at five candidates who could replace Pettine as Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator.
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator candidate No. 5: Jim Leonhard
We’re starting a bit outside the box but, then again, that might not be a bad thing. Pettine was an NFL veteran with plenty of experience. With that, however, comes the shortcomings that result from being set in your ways. Pettine was often stubborn with deploying coverages and steadfast in conceding the run, often to detrimental degrees.
Thus, settling on someone like 38-year-old Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard might be something that the Packers need. Not only is he a proven commodity at the college level but he could serve as an injection of new blood for Green Bay — if that’s the course of action they so desire.
Leonhard’s defenses in Madison have been stellar over the last near-half-decade. The Badgers have been a top-five defense in the country since his arrival and, with experience as an NFL player over his 10-year career in the pros, you have to believe he would be ready to translate his philosophies to the Packers.
Staying in-state and poaching the college ranks, Leonhard could be a fantastic option. Moreover, he has affiliations with Pettine, who the front office was clearly reluctant to let go given that it took this long. Thus, the transition might be smoother while still giving some new blood and life to the defense.