Jim Leonhard is once again on the radar for a high-profile defensive coordinator job-this time in Buffalo. According to reports, the Broncos' defensive pass game coordinator is expected to be a leading candidate for the Bills’ DC opening, and it’s not hard to see why.
Leonhard’s coaching résumé has been steadily building over the past decade, but it all started with a playing career that spanned 10 seasons in the NFL. That journey took him through six different franchises-including the Bills, Ravens, Jets, Broncos, Saints, and Browns-where he carved out a reputation as a savvy, high-IQ safety who made up for his size with elite instincts and film study.
Now 43, Leonhard has translated that football IQ into coaching success. His first major coaching opportunity came at his alma mater, Wisconsin, where he was hired as the defensive backs coach in 2016. Just one year later, he was promoted to defensive coordinator-a fast rise that spoke volumes about his leadership and schematic mind.
Leonhard held that DC role at Wisconsin through 2022, even stepping in as interim head coach that season and posting a 5-3 record. His defenses were consistently among the most disciplined and fundamentally sound in college football, often punching above their weight class against more talent-rich programs.
After a brief stint with Illinois in 2023, Leonhard joined the Broncos in 2024 as the secondary coach. It didn’t take long for Denver to recognize his value-he was promoted to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator in 2025, a clear sign of trust from the Broncos’ leadership.
Now, with Joe Brady stepping into the head coaching role in Buffalo, Leonhard’s name is surfacing as a top target to lead the Bills’ defense. The connection makes sense: Brady, an offensive mind, would benefit from pairing with a defensive coordinator who brings both experience and adaptability. Leonhard’s background as a player and coach gives him a unique perspective on modern offenses, and his ability to connect with players has been a hallmark at every stop.
Buffalo’s defense is in transition, and the next hire will be pivotal. Leonhard brings a mix of NFL experience, college leadership, and recent success at the pro level-an appealing combination for a team looking to stay competitive in a loaded AFC.
We’ll keep an eye on how things develop, but if Leonhard ends up in Buffalo, it could be one of the more quietly impactful coaching moves of the offseason.