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The Buffalo Bills are hiring Wisconsin program legend Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Leonhard, who spent the last two seasons leading the Denver Broncos' secondary, was highly sought-after during the hiring cycle. Next to the Bills, the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens all either interviewed or had reported interest in the top defensive coach.
Leonhard's rise in the NFL ranks follows a decorated career at the college level. He started as Wisconsin's defensive backs coach in 2016. He was then promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017 and held that position until he left the program after the 2022 season. His Wisconsin defenses consistently finished near the top of the sport. The 2021 unit, which led college football in total defense, headlines his tenure.
The top defensive mind joins a Buffalo Bills coaching staff that underwent a major overhaul following the 2025 season. Joe Brady, the team's former offensive coordinator, was promoted to head coach. Given his offensive background, Leonhard should get full control over the Bills' defensive scheme and play-calling.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Jim Leonhard Bills defensive coordinator hire
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Leonhard, who spent the last two seasons leading the Denver Broncos' secondary, was highly sought-after during the hiring cycle. Next to the Bills, the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens all either interviewed or had reported interest in the top defensive coach.
Leonhard's rise in the NFL ranks follows a decorated career at the college level. He started as Wisconsin's defensive backs coach in 2016. He was then promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017 and held that position until he left the program after the 2022 season. His Wisconsin defenses consistently finished near the top of the sport. The 2021 unit, which led college football in total defense, headlines his tenure.
The top defensive mind joins a Buffalo Bills coaching staff that underwent a major overhaul following the 2025 season. Joe Brady, the team's former offensive coordinator, was promoted to head coach. Given his offensive background, Leonhard should get full control over the Bills' defensive scheme and play-calling.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Jim Leonhard Bills defensive coordinator hire
Continue reading...
