Jim Leonhard is one of the biggest names out there on the coaching market. The former Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator and interim head coach left the program after he was passed over for the team’s head coaching position. Since the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, his last game with Wisconsin, there has been a great deal of speculation of where Leonhard would land next. Due to recent events, he may end up in the NFC North with one of the Packers’ biggest rivals.
The Minnesota Vikings Fired Ed Donatell
As was expected after the Vikings lost at home to the New York Giants in the playoffs, Ed Donatell has been let go as defensive coordinator. The team announced the decision on social media:
Statement from Head Coach Kevin O’Connell pic.twitter.com/ntRqd4cr4A
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 19, 2023
Donatell, of course was the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers from 2000-2003. His replacement, now could be Jim Leonhard, who the Packers tried to hire back in 2021.
Jim Leonhard Would Be Perfect for the Vikings
One of the reasons why Donatell was fired was because of the poor passing defense in Minnesota. This past season, the Vikings allowed 7.3 yards per passing attempt, the third worst mark in the NFL. They also allowed 4,515 pass yards, which was the second most in the NFL. Only Tennessee’s defense gave up more passing yards than the Vikings. Of course, Leonhard is a defensive backs guru, having played the position himself in the NFL.
There is also the fact that the assistant head coach of the Vikings is none other than another former Packers defensive coordinator: Mike Pettine. Leonhard played over half of his NFL career for Pettine and has incorporated several of his mentor’s concepts into his own defensive scheme.
Of course, no Wisconsin Badgers fan (or Packers fan) wants to see Leonhard head across the state’s western border. However, the fit is right and Leonhard still has not found another coaching job.
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