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Bold predictions for Packers’ defensive coordinator job

By Brian Sampson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers‘ first area of business this offseason is figuring out who will run their defense next season. Even though we are just a couple of weeks removed from their heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game (sorry to bring up bad memories), head coach Matt LaFleur has been extremely busy interviewing candidates for his open defensive coordinator position.

There’s already been a number of confirmed candidates who have interviewed for the job including Joe Barry (Los Angeles Chargers defensive passing game coordinator), Chris Harris (defensive backs coach of the Washington Football team), Eijiro Evero (Los Angeles Rams’ safeties coach), Jerry Gray (Packers’ defensive backs coach), Kris Ricard (former Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator), and Jim Leonhard (Wisconsin Badgers’ defensive coordinator).

Although Ricard has already taken a job with the New Orleans Saints, the other five candidates appear to be in play. So, here are two bold predictions about who will get the highly-coveted job.

Here are a couple of bold predictions about who will become the next defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Packers’ fan-favorite defensive coordinator prediction: Jim Leonhard

Jim Leonhard has been a stud coordinator for the Badgers over the last four seasons. He’s not only recruited great players to come to the University of Wisconsin, but he’s also produced tremendous results and players love playing for him. He’s on the record calling that his dream job, but he’s taken an interview with Matt LaFleur for the Packers’ defensive coordinator position–something that it doesn’t appear he’s done before.

Leonhard runs a pro-style defense at Wisconsin that will translate nicely to the NFL. He also has plenty of experience playing in the pros that he could use to his benefit. Leonhard is an amazing teacher and person, in the same mold as LaFleur, so it wouldn’t be difficult to see the Packers moving in this direction.

Packers’ most likely defensive coordinator prediction: Jerry Gray

Although Leonhard would be a huge hit among the fans, Jerry Gray is the most likely candidate to get the job. Gray has previous defensive coordinator experience in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills from 2001 to 2005 and the Tennessee Titans from 2011 to 2013. He now has one year of experience in Green Bay under his belt as well.

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Tom Silverstein of PackersNews.com named Gray (and Evero) as one of the favorites, referring to his, “familiarity with LaFleur, the type of schemes they run and their excellent rapport with players.” Despite my personal preference being Leonhard, my official prediction here at Dairyland Express is that Gray will be named the defensive coordinator with Evero also coming over to join him on his staff.

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