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Jason Wilde

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Jason Wilde, host of ESPN Wisconsin's Wilde & Tausch, is in his 25th season covering the Green Bay Packers, having written for ESPN.com, ESPN Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Journal, and now The Athletic. Any time Jason joins any ESPN Wisconsin program, yo
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Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to gander at Jim's shaved head that Matt "took down to the wood" with our old, rickety pair of clippers! They ask Jason about Packers QB coach Sean Mannion getting hired away to become the Eagles' next offensive coordinator -- how big is the loss. The Packers also officially announced extensions for Matt LaFleur, Gutey and Russ Ball were all officially extended today, but were LaFleur run it back with the rest of this offensive coaching staff? Also, what's more important -- who's on the coaching staff or which pending free agents & cut candidates are back and/or healthy next year? They finish talking about the precarious work-life balance for NFL coaches after the recent criticism of new Buffalo Bills HC Joe Brady!
ESPN Wisconsin reporter Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy for a candid, uncomfortable conversation about the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation, the emotional exhaustion surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks, and why this saga increasingly resembles the final years of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. 023026 JGC Hour 1 Wilde doesn’t frame this as a breaking-news moment — he frames it as a slow-burn reality that has worn down everyone involved: the organization, the locker room, the fan base, and possibly Giannis himself. 🏀 Why “tough on the organization” says everything The segment begins with Wilde reacting to Peter Feigin’s comments describing the Giannis speculation as “tough on the organization.” To Wilde, that phrasing doesn’t sound defensive — it sounds tired. He explains why: The Bucks are fighting talent limitations and emotional uncertainty Players are wondering nightly whether Giannis will still be there Management is staring at multiple paths, all of which feel sub-optimal Wilde compares it to a choose-your-own-adventure book where every ending is bad — no clean exits, no perfect solutions. 🧠 Giannis’ fear of being the villain One of Wilde’s most insightful points centers on Giannis’ psychology. Wilde believes Giannis genuinely: Feels loyalty to Milwaukee Appreciates the opportunity the Bucks gave him Does not want to be remembered as “the guy who asked out” But that fear may now be clouding his decision-making, creating a stalemate where: He won’t ask for a trade The Bucks won’t force one And everyone waits for something to break Wilde draws a clear parallel to Aaron Rodgers — not in personality, but in how prolonged ambiguity damages everyone involved. 🎭 Agents don’t operate independently Wilde directly addresses Giannis’ claim that his agent acts independently. From an industry perspective, Wilde explains: Agents explore markets with player understanding “I didn’t ask out” can be technically true and still misleading Market testing doesn’t happen without player awareness This is how leverage is created without public ultimatums — and it’s why the reporting keeps escalating even when Giannis’ words don’t. 🏟️ The locker room impact Wilde notes that constant speculation does affect teammates, even if no one says it publicly: Players start questioning direction Leadership messaging gets diluted Adversity feels heavier when the future is unclear He points out a subtle shift in tone from players like Bobby Portis, whose early-season confidence has given way to resignation. ⚖️ The reality no one wants to say Wilde is blunt about the endgame: The Bucks will never get “fair value” for Giannis Waiting doesn’t magically fix that Acting too soon risks panic Acting too late risks collapse That’s why Feigin’s word — tough — matters so much. It’s not drama. It’s math. 🏁 The bottom line Jason Wilde leaves listeners with a sobering conclusion: Giannis hasn’t asked out. The Bucks haven’t pulled the trigger. But the situation is no longer stable. Whether through a trade, a reset, or a reluctant recommitment, this chapter is moving toward an ending — and pretending otherwise only prolongs the damage. 🎧 A clear-eyed, emotionally honest breakdown of loyalty, leverage, and why silence can be just as loud as a trade request — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis trade rumors, Jason Wilde, Bucks exhaustion, Giannis agent, NBA trade deadline, Bucks locker room, Giannis loyalty, Aaron Rodgers comparison, Wisconsin sports, ESPN Milwaukee, Jen Gabe and Chewy
Another busy week in Green Bay. Jason Wilde and Alex Strouf break down the Packers’ latest coaching moves, including Jonathan Gannon stepping in to lead the defense and what his background as a former head coach could mean. They discuss why so much of the defensive staff is turning over, why the offensive staff has stayed largely intact, and whether Matt LaFleur needs fresh ideas moving forward. Plus, Mike McCarthy takes the Steelers job — and Jason explains his relationship with McCarthy, how the hire came together, and why a reunion with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to discuss the hiring of Bobby Babich as the Packers’ secondary coach and passing game coordinator, along with the departure of Sean Mannion to the Eagles as offensive coordinator. The conversation also focused on who could replace Mannion as quarterbacks coach, the status of offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, and whether an offensive line coach may be more important than the offensive coordinator when the head coach is calling plays.
ESPN Wisconsin reporter Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy for a wide-ranging, brutally honest conversation that touches on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade fatigue, Packers roster philosophy, and why Josh Jacobs’ importance goes far beyond the stat sheet. 012926 Jason on JGC The segment opens with Wilde reacting to the latest wave of Giannis trade reporting, where multiple sides appear to be leaking selective information to preferred media partners. Wilde admits he’s hit his own boiling point with the constant contradiction: Giannis publicly saying he’ll never ask for a trade, while reports continue to suggest the Bucks are listening to offers. 🏀 Giannis fatigue: just tell the truth Wilde frames the situation like a breakup that refuses to happen. He explains why the constant “I’m not asking out” messaging, paired with behind-the-scenes maneuvering by agents, has worn fans down. His blunt take: If you want out, just say it. Don’t keep doing things to see if the other side breaks first. Wilde stresses this doesn’t come from disrespect — it comes from emotional exhaustion. Fans appreciate honesty more than prolonged ambiguity, especially when the outcome feels increasingly inevitable. 🧠 Agents don’t act independently One of the most revealing moments comes when Wilde addresses Giannis’ claim that his agent acts independently. From an industry standpoint, Wilde explains, agents only move with the approval — or at least the understanding — of their clients. Pretending otherwise may protect public image, but it doesn’t reflect how the business actually works. The parallel to Aaron Rodgers’ exit from Green Bay is impossible to ignore: no formal trade request, but enough smoke to signal the fire. 🏈 Packers pivot: the Josh Jacobs question The conversation shifts to the Packers, where Wilde reacts strongly to the idea that Josh Jacobs could be a cap casualty. Wilde is emphatic: That would be a terrible idea. He explains why Jacobs represents something the Packers desperately lack — maturity, leadership, and accountability in a locker room filled with young players who struggle with both success and adversity. Key points Wilde makes: Jacobs played hurt for much of the season Fans often criticize players for not playing through injuries — then criticize them when performance dips The Packers can’t afford to lose one of their few stabilizing voices Wilde contrasts Jacobs’ situation with Aaron Jones, noting how Jones was labeled “washed” before immediately producing elsewhere. The lesson: don’t be too eager to move on from real pros. 🧱 Rashid Walker & the Packers’ new identity Wilde also weighs in on the likelihood of Rashid Walker leaving in free agency, even after ranking highly in pass-block win rate. He explains this isn’t accidental — it’s organizational philosophy. General manager Brian Gutekunst has openly stated he doesn’t prioritize second contracts. Instead, the Packers: Turn over the roster aggressively Lean on rookie contracts Accumulate future compensatory picks Wilde acknowledges this is the opposite of the old Packers model — and admits that while he personally disagrees, this is who the Packers are now. ⚖️ The bottom line Jason Wilde leaves listeners with a clear-eyed assessment: Giannis trade talk isn’t going away The Packers are choosing churn over continuity Veterans like Josh Jacobs matter more than fans realize And modern roster building often sacrifices leadership for flexibility Whether in Milwaukee basketball or Green Bay football, the theme is the same: Organizations are choosing leverage over loyalty — and fans are left to deal with the fallout. 🎧 Insightful, candid, and grounded in real reporting — a must-listen segment with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis trade rumors, Milwaukee Bucks, Jason Wilde, Packers roster philosophy, Josh Jacobs contract, Packers leadership, Rashid Walker free agency, Packers salary cap, Bucks agent, NBA trade d ...
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to break down the hire of Bobby Babich to the Packers’ defensive coaching staff and discussed whether assistant coaches are chosen by the defensive coordinator or the head coach. The conversation also focused on why GM Brian Gutekunst hasn’t held a press conference since August and whether the team is waiting to announce assistant hires and contract extensions all at once. The guys also addressed speculation around Sean Mannion’s future and whether the Packers quarterbacks coach could be on his way out of Green Bay.
Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to talk more about the fallout from the Packers hiring Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator, including the conflicting reports about whether he was such a hot commodity that they couldn't wait long enough to interview Jim Leonhard. He also discusses if the coaching staff is gonna stay as is after OC Adam Stenavich didn't get the Titans job and there's still no news about Rich Bisaccia -- does LaFleur need new ideas outside of OC and is he willing to FIRE one of his friends? They also ask Jason about who will have input on Gannon's defensive staff, just how secure is LaFleur's job after his extension, and is there a sliding doors reality where Pats GM Eliot Wolf would've gotten the job instead of Gutey in 2018!
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to discuss Bill Belichick falling short of the votes needed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and whether football writers should be allowed to vote on the Hall in the sports they cover. The guys also debated Keisean Nixon’s Pro Bowl case and why the Packers still haven’t officially announced the hiring of Jonathan Gannon. The conversation wrapped up with a look at the coaching staff, including who Jeff Hafley could bring with him to Miami and whether the Packers would look outside the organization for an offensive coordinator if Adam Stenavich were to leave.
Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to talk about the Packers' ongoing DC search, including Jonathan Gannon, Raheem Morris, Al Harris, and the timeline for when Matt LaFleur can interview Jim Leonhard! First, Jason learns that producer Primetime was 26 years old when he learned where pickles come from! Jason shares some insights into Gannon's scheme-less coaching style, whether Jim Leonhard is REALLY the favorite in LaFleur's eyes, and when should we start getting nervous if the Packers still haven't hired a candidate! He shares more on Morris' relationship with LaFleur, Harris' resume as a legitimate candidate for the job, and are there really no changes coming for OC Adam Stenavich and ST coordinator Rich Bisaccia!
ESPN Packers reporter Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to explain why the Joe Barry era quietly changed everything about how the Green Bay Packers approach coaching — especially when it comes to paying assistant coaches. Using new reporting and behind-the-scenes context, Wilde breaks down how Green Bay’s long-standing reputation for being “cheap” on assistants came back to bite them, and why the failures of the Joe Barry defenses may have forced a philosophical reset inside the organization. Wilde explains: Why the Packers likely low-balled coordinator candidates in the past How Joe Barry became the fallback option — and why that mattered What changed with the hires of Rich Bisaccia and Jeff Hafley How much those hires actually cost, including buyouts Why assistant coach pay directly affects who is willing to come to Green Bay The conversation also digs into how NFL coaching salaries are intentionally opaque, why numbers only leak when teams want to change a narrative, and how reputation spreads quickly through coaching circles. Wilde provides clarity on a key point Packers fans often miss: You don’t just lose good coaches because of scheme — you lose them because other teams are willing to pay for experience and proven voices, while you’re trying to win on a discount. The segment closes with a blunt takeaway: If the Packers want to compete for championships in the modern NFL, cutting corners on coaching is no longer an option — and Joe Barry’s tenure made that impossible to ignore. 🎧 Insightful, grounded, and revealing context on how Green Bay got here — and why the organization may finally be changing how it operates — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.
Matt LaFleur is officially extended — and now the Packers’ offseason dominoes are falling fast. On this week’s Weekly Wilde, Alex Strouf and Jason Wilde break down Jeff Hafley leaving Green Bay for the Dolphins, why the DC search is moving quickly, and what the Packers are actually looking for in the next defensive coordinator. They also dig into the biggest fan frustration: why haven’t we seen more coaching staff changes yet? Jason explains why Rich Bisaccia remains so valued inside the building (even with the special teams criticism), what could happen with Adam Stenavich, and why this staff timeline may be tied to other front office decisions. Plus: where the defensive roster questions are loudest heading into March — pass rush depth, cornerback, and what comes next after a chaotic season.
ESPN Packers reporter Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy with a wide-ranging, candid update on the Packers’ defensive coordinator search, long-running Jim Leonhard rumors, and the uncomfortable financial reality shaping Green Bay’s offseason decisions. 012226 Jason on JGC The segment opens with Wilde confirming progress in the DC search, including interviews with Al Harris and Jonathan Gannon, and reports that Gannon received a rare two-day interview. Wilde explains why Harris’ candidacy is more serious than many fans realize, noting his steady rise through the coaching ranks and the respect he’s earned around the league. 🏈 Is Jim Leonhard a real candidate — or a fan narrative? One of the most important clarifications of the segment centers on Jim Leonhard. Wilde pushes back hard on the idea that Leonhard was never offered the DC job in 2021, explaining that: Contract terms and salary were discussed Negotiations took place Public denials later were largely semantic spin He explains why teams often rewrite history to avoid making past hires look like second choices — and why logic, not rumor, matters when evaluating what actually happened. Wilde also confirms his expectation that Leonhard will be formally requested for an interview, regardless of whether the Packers advance further in the postseason, and notes that multiple teams are interested. 🧠 How Matt LaFleur handles criticism The conversation shifts to Matt LaFleur’s leadership style, especially in contrast to Mike Holmgren. Wilde explains: LaFleur does not consume media coverage the way Holmgren did He is briefed by staff, not scrolling headlines He rarely allows public criticism to affect personal relationships Wilde acknowledges that while some people inside the building are not fans of LaFleur, his people skills have improved significantly since early in his tenure — a natural evolution for a first-time head coach hired at age 39. 🔄 Romeo Doubs: growth vs. money The discussion turns to Romeo Doubs, who publicly said he wants to remain a Packer. Wilde offers balanced insight: Doubs’ maturity and response to adversity changed minds inside the building His professionalism late in the season earned real respect But the Packers’ cap situation makes a return unlikely With needs across the offensive line, cornerback, defensive line, and tight end — and no first-round pick — Wilde explains why allocating significant money to a wide receiver, despite liking the player, may simply be unrealistic. He compares Doubs’ potential market to Rashod Bateman’s deal in Baltimore, noting it only takes one desperate team to inflate a price beyond what Green Bay can responsibly match. 💰 The bigger cap-picture problem Wilde repeatedly emphasizes the same core truth: The Packers are not broke — but they are constrained. They need: Offensive line help Cornerbacks Defensive linemen Tight end depth And with limited flexibility, every dollar spent on one position restricts another. ⚖️ The bottom line Wilde leaves listeners with a clear-eyed reality: The DC search is serious and wide-ranging Jim Leonhard is not a myth or a token interview Romeo Doubs earned respect — but money may decide his future LaFleur’s leadership has evolved, even if not everyone loves him This offseason won’t be about splashy moves — it will be about hard choices. 🎧 Inside reporting, context beyond headlines, and the kind of nuance Packers fans rarely get elsewhere — only on Jen, Gabe & Chewy. Packers, Green Bay Packers, Jason Wilde, Packers defensive coordinator search, Jim Leonhard, Al Harris, Jonathan Gannon, Romeo Doubs, Packers salary cap, Packers offseason, Matt LaFleur leadership, ESPN Milwaukee, Jen Gabe and Chewy
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to discuss Green Bay’s search for a new defensive coordinator, including when the Packers could interview Jim Leonhard and which other candidates are under consideration. Wilde also weighed in on whether the hiring of Jeff Hafley offers clues about the direction the Packers may take with the position and shared who he believes would be the best fit to lead the Packers’ defense.
Jason Wilde joins Jim Rutledge & Pablo Iglesias to discuss the fallout from the Packers extending head coach Matt LaFleur, including who the next defensive coordinator will be after Jeff Hafley's departure for Miami. Jason gives the one candidate with deep Wisconsin connections who he wants in Green Bay as sheds some light on the other external and internal candidates for the job! They also take a temperature check on Rich Bisaccia's job as special teams coordinator -- would LaFleur be willing to move on from his coaching "consigliere"? Also, how does LaFleur's extension factor into the desirability an assistant/coordinator job in Green Bay?
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to discuss Matt LaFleur’s contract extension and the team’s belief in their head coach. Wilde said LaFleur gained leverage after guiding a young, retooled roster to a competitive season, showing development and stability despite the major injuries. Wilde explained the Packers believe LaFleur can still lead them to a Super Bowl because of his consistency, adaptability, and track record of keeping the team competitive through roster changes. While LaFleur doesn’t need to win immediately, expectations rise next season, and progress alone won’t be enough. The key tweak will be execution in big moments as the Packers try to take the next step.
The offseason moved fast — and then it sped up even more. Jen, Gabe & Chewy open the show reacting to the news that Jeff Hafley has officially been hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, making him the first Packers defensive coordinator in franchise history to be hired away directly into a head coaching role. 012025 JGC Hour 1 It’s a milestone moment — and a major problem for Green Bay. 🏈 Why Hafley chose Miami The crew discusses why Miami made sense: A full rebuild situation A patient ownership group A chance to reset expectations Familiarity with new GM John Eric Sullivan, another former Packers executive They speculate whether Hafley wanted a longer runway instead of immediate pressure — and whether Miami’s quarterback uncertainty actually helped him by lowering expectations early. 🔄 What this means for the Packers With Hafley gone, the Packers now face yet another defensive reset, and the group questions whether the organization has become too comfortable with: Hiring young, first-time coordinators Promoting from within Accepting learning curves on the fly Chewy emphasizes that while Hafley showed promise, the defense still suffered from: Communication breakdowns Missed assignments Red-zone failures Late-game collapses Which raises a key question: Do the Packers need another young teacher — or an adult in the room? 🧠 Experience vs philosophy The discussion becomes a philosophical debate about what actually matters on defense: Scheme vs adaptability Philosophy vs execution Teaching vs accountability The hosts agree that rigid systems fail when talent doesn’t fit — and point to Bill Belichick’s flexibility as the gold standard: adjusting the defense every year based on personnel, not dogma. 🧾 Breaking down the DC candidate list Using a list compiled by beat reporters, the crew runs through potential candidates and reacts in real time: Young risers with no coordinator experience Former head coaches looking to reset Familiar names the Packers have passed on before Names like Christian Parker, Jim Leonhard, Brian Flores, Raheem Morris, Zach Orr, and Al Harris spark strong opinions — especially around whether past failure as a head coach should disqualify someone from being a coordinator. Chewy’s line lands hard: “I don’t care what your philosophy is — just get guys in the right spot.” 🎙️ Jason Wilde joins later in the hour Later in the show, Jason Wilde adds context on: Why Rich Bisaccia is unlikely to be fired despite fan frustration How roster youth directly impacts special teams performance Why the Packers’ build-it-young philosophy creates downstream problems Why letting veterans walk for “tiny savings” can hurt championship chances Wilde also explains why LaFleur is not on a prove-it deal — but why expectations will still be championship-level. ⚖️ The bigger picture The hour closes with a sobering realization: The Packers are good at developing coaches — but not always great at keeping them. That puts pressure on every hire to be: The right teacher The right communicator The right stabilizer Because the margin for error is shrinking. 🎧 A revealing look at coaching turnover, defensive identity, and why this next hire could quietly define the Packers’ future — only on Jen, Gabe & Chewy. Packers, Green Bay Packers, Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator, Packers coaching search, Packers defense, Brian Flores, Jim Leonhard, Christian Parker, Matt LaFleur, Packers offseason, NFL coaching carousel, ESPN Milwaukee, Jen Gabe and Chewy
Packers sign Matt LaFleur to a multiyear deal and Jason Wilde breaks down all you need to know about how they came to this decision and what happens next for the coaching staff. He also discusses how the reporting structure stays the same with LaFleur, Gutekunst and Ball all still reporting to Ed Policy.
Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to discuss Day 6 of Matt LaFleur's contract watch -- what's the holdup at this point in negotiations, what is LaFleur looking for, and how would he be viewed on the open market? Does it all come back to money equals respect? Molly also asks if Ed Policy created a problem that didn't need to exist when he said he didn't like lame-duck coaches? Finally, when will we get the news, and what if it drops during the Bears game on Sunday???
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to break down why Matt LaFleur’s contract situation continues to drag on and what that silence may reveal about the Packers’ true level of commitment. The conversation explores extension leverage, lame-duck seasons, internal options if talks fall apart, and why coaching uncertainty can quietly weigh on a locker room. Plus, where LaFleur fits in today’s coaching market and why Green Bay may soon have to decide if he’s truly “their guy.”
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour and addressed the future of Matt LaFleur, saying Green Bay is much closer to an extension than letting him walk — but it’s not done yet. The sticking point isn’t performance, it’s power and structure, with internal changes in the organization playing a role in the delay. Wilde added that from a player standpoint, the biggest offseason focus is building consistency and trust around Jordan Love, as the Packers look to solidify their direction heading into next season.
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