Maybe, just maybe, the Green Bay Packers could strike gold in their search for a new defensive coordinator.

Rewind five years, and the name Packers fans almost unanimously wanted was Jim Leonhard, who, at the time, was with the Wisconsin Badgers. Leonhard opted to remain in college football, with Matt LaFleur hiring Joe Barry to run his defense.

The stars may align this time. According to Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee, LaFleur wants to interview Leonhard for the vacant defensive coordinator role.

“He cannot discuss the job, per NFL rules, with Jim Leonhard until after the AFC Championship Game. If the Broncos lose, it’s a free-for-all,” Wilde said. “My understanding is Matt LaFleur wants to interview him.”

Packers fans may finally get their Jim Leonard wish, and he would be the perfect Jeff Hafley replacement

As Wilde notes, the Packers can’t contact Leonhard’s team about their opening until next week. He is the Denver Broncos’ assistant head coach and pass-game coordinator, which means he is preparing for the AFC Championship Game. LaFleur can contact and interview Leonhard next week, but he can only hire him once the Broncos’ season is over.

If they win the Super Bowl, that would mean waiting until February.

The Packers will cast a wide net in their search for Hafley’s replacement. They have reportedly set up an interview with Christian Parker, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator, who is considered a “rising star.” LaFleur also reportedly plans to interview former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Leonhard, though, should sit near the top of the list. He has everything the Packers need. Experience. An impressive track record. Leadership.

The former NFL safety began his coaching career with the Wisconsin Badgers, spending time as the defensive backs coach, then the defensive coordinator, and even the interim head coach.

Leonhard’s Badgers defense was consistently one of the best in college football throughout his tenure. Here’s where they ranked in each of his seasons as the DC: 2nd, 29th, 6th, 5th, 1st, 11th.

Sean Payton gave Leonhard his first NFL gig in Denver, and the results, once again, have been fantastic.

This season, as Payton’s assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, the Broncos’ pass defense ranks 7th for yards allowed, 1st in sacks, and 6th in passer rating allowed. According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Broncos rank 7th in defensive EPA/play, 1st in yards per play allowed, and 2nd in explosive play rate allowed.

Denver’s defense is aggressive — only Minnesota and Atlanta blitz at a higher rate. That makes the lack of explosive plays allowed even more impressive, and it speaks to Leonhard’s experience as a defensive backs coach. They hold up in coverage and limit explosive plays, even when the defense sends exotic blitzes.

Leonhard could maximize the talent in Green Bay, and it would undoubtedly be a tempting opportunity.

While he reportedly turned down the offer to lead LaFleur’s defense in 2021, the timing may finally be right. Leonhard would have the ultimate chess piece in Micah Parsons, and his experience working with defensive backs would benefit Green Bay’s talented trio of Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard. And just imagine Edgerrin Cooper’s potential as a blitzer — he had eight sacks and 17 tackles for loss in his final season at Texas A&M.

Leonhard is also a Wisconsin native, which could help the Packers’ case.

They will undoubtedly face competition from other interested teams, but we should start to find out how likely it is once Leonhard can resume interviewing for roles next week.

Packers fans have spent years wishing Leonhard would call the defense. There may never be a better chance for LaFleur to make it happen.