Matt LaFleur’s search for the Green Bay Packers’ next defensive coordinator might be down to two finalists.
According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, both Jim Leonhard, the Wisconsin defensive coordinator, and Ejiro Evero, the Los Angeles Rams safeties coach, appear to be the two finalists for the job, with Leonhard as the likely front runner.
LaFleur and the Packers are attempting to replace Mike Pettine, who was let go after three seasons in Green Bay as the defensive coordinator.
Leonhard played for Pettine in the NFL and has operated a highly successful form of the scheme in Madison. Since Leonhard became Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator in 2017, the Badgers defense ranks among the best in the nation in most important defensive categories.
Evero worked in Green Bay under Dom Capers in 2016 and worked alongside LaFleur in Los Angeles in 2017. He’s been Sean McVay’s safeties coach the last four seasons and is experienced in the Vic Fangio style of defense, another preferred scheme for LaFleur.
According to Silverstein, it’s possible Leonhard has already been offered the job. although it’s not clear if the Wisconsin native and former Badgers star is ready to leave his post in Madison for a chance at coaching in the NFL.
