Jim Leonhard was considered a top candidate to become the Packers’ defensive coordinator in 2021 and instead stayed in Wisconsin as DC. Leonhard left his former position as the Badgers made changes after the 2022 season. Now he is expected to try his luck in the NFL.Former NFL safety returns to Denver. Leonhard, who was a Broncos backup in 2012, is expected to join Sean Payton’s second Broncos staff, according to Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Leonhard played 10 NFL seasons, but only coached in the college game.
Leonhardt, 41, will replace Christian Parker as the Broncos’ DB coach, according to Chris Thomasson of the Denver Gazette .As NIL’s management and transfer portal transformed the volatile environment of the college, several teachers and faculty staff members jumped to become experts. Leonhard will be the latest. He hasn’t signed up to the level of Jim Harbaugh or former Boston College HC (and new Packers DC) Jeff Hafley, but he’s been at Wisconsin for six seasons. The Badgers have been outstanding defensively under Leonhard, ranking in the top 25 nationally in all but one season.
Wisconsin has produced four top-10 point guards in that span. That has sparked interest from college programs in Leonhard, and ESPN.com reports he has spoken with several NFL teams this offseason. Leonhard spent the 2023 season as an analyst at Illinois State. The Eagles interviewed Leonhard for the DC job last year.Leonhard has experience with both the Broncos and Payton. Although he had some good moments in his career, Leonhard signed with the Broncos in 2012 and was part of a 13-3 team. The Broncos used Leonhardt as a part-time returner and guarded error-prone Trindon Holliday in certain situations, but used the veteran for 260 defensive snaps on the year.
Leonhardt also played for the Bills, Ravens and Browns and is known for his work with the Jets. 2005 UDFA Rex Ryan appeared in 40 games for the Jets. Leonhard spent the 2013 season with Payton in New Orleans, but did not make the Saints’ 53-man roster.The Broncos value Parker and Vic Fangio’s staff, assistant Nathaniel Hackett and Payton. Parker was interviewed in Denver, D.C. last year and met with the Packers and Patriots last month to discuss their positions. Leonhard wasn’t expected to be considered for the Green Bay job this time around, but Matt LaFleur listed him as a top pick for 2021.
Parker recently committed to join Fangio in Philadelphia. He will be the defensive coordinator for the Eagles.
