The Baltimore Ravens are making moves on the defensive side of the ball-and one of their latest targets is turning heads across the league. According to reports, the Ravens have submitted a request to interview Denver Broncos assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard for their open defensive coordinator position.
Leonhard’s name has been buzzing around coaching circles this offseason, and for good reason. He’s been in high demand, with multiple interviews already under his belt, including one with the Los Angeles Chargers.
While the Chargers and several other teams have since gone in different directions, Leonhard remains a top candidate for a number of openings. In fact, earlier this week, reports surfaced that he’s viewed as the frontrunner for the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator job-a position that could offer him more autonomy and control over the unit.
The Ravens, meanwhile, are entering a new era. Jesse Minter, formerly the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, has been tapped as Baltimore’s next head coach following the surprising dismissal of longtime coach John Harbaugh earlier this month. Harbaugh has since landed with the New York Giants, taking over as their head coach.
Minter’s defense with the Chargers was one of the most disciplined and effective units in the NFL last season. His schemes gave opposing offenses, including the Broncos, consistent headaches. With that in mind, it’s likely Minter will retain play-calling responsibilities in Baltimore-something that could factor into Leonhard’s decision if he’s weighing multiple offers.
That’s where the Bills might hold an edge. In Buffalo, Leonhard would likely have full control of the defense, including play-calling duties. For a rising coach looking to put his stamp on a unit, that kind of opportunity is hard to pass up.
Leonhard’s rise through the coaching ranks has been swift. He joined the Broncos in 2024 as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, and it didn’t take long for his impact to be felt.
His work with Denver’s secondary and his influence on the defensive game plan earned him a promotion to assistant head coach this past season. Under his guidance, the Broncos’ defense took a noticeable step forward, and his reputation as a sharp defensive mind only grew from there.
Now, he’s one of the hottest names on the coaching market-and the Ravens are hoping they can bring him into the fold. Whether Baltimore can lure him away from a potentially more autonomous role in Buffalo remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Jim Leonhard is a coach on the rise, and whichever team lands him is getting a proven leader with a knack for developing talent and dialing up creative, effective schemes.
Keep an eye on this one-it could shape the defensive identity of more than one team heading into 2026.