Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard Could Be a Big Winner Despite Missing Out on Rams DC Job
By Ian Anderson
Fear not Wisconsin fans, your defensive coordinator is still a Badger... for the time being.
Jim Leonhard just missed out on an opportunity to fill the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator vacancy, but his name is one that is going to float around the NFL for a while.
One leftover from the Rams DC search: coach Sean McVay had great interest in Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonard. Ultimately, Brandon Staley and the Fangio D was the right fit for his staff.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 11, 2020
But Leonard, the ex-Jets/Ravens safety, is 100% a name to watch going forward.
The 37-year-old formerly played for the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens among four other teams prior to becoming Wisconsin's defensive backs coach in 2016, and then getting promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017.
It seems inevitable that Leonhard ends up coaching in the NFL at some point soon, and it is not like missing out on the Rams' position was a one time thing. While he may not get a job this year, he will certainly be in the mix to get one of the top jobs the following year.
The world starting to catch up with idea that Jim Leonhard can be a legit coach in the NFL. Feel like next year might be his last in Madison. https://t.co/8YET0tEwxn
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) January 11, 2020
While the jump from collegiate defensive coordinator directly to NFL head coach is a bit of a stretch, Leonhard becoming a DC at the next level in a year's team remains within reason.
His performance in Madison next season will have plenty of NFL executives intrigued.