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 during this hiring cycle. In addition to the Bills, the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens 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 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 elite 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 coach. Given Brady’s offensive background, Leonhard should get full control over the Bills’ defensive schemes and play-calling.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin legend Jim Leonhard hired for new coaching job
Reporting by Ben Kenney, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
