Jim Leonhard is officially back in the NFL - and this time, he’s running the show on defense.
The former Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator and interim head coach has landed with the Buffalo Bills as their new defensive coordinator, marking his first DC role since leaving Madison. After a year spent in Denver as the Broncos’ pass game coordinator and assistant head coach, Leonhard found the right fit in Buffalo, where he’ll take over a defense in transition following the departure of Sean McDermott and the promotion of offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach.
Leonhard has long been one of the more respected defensive minds in football, known for his ability to scheme pressure and adapt to personnel. Now, he gets the chance to bring that vision to a Bills team looking to retool on the defensive side of the ball - and he’s already starting to assemble a staff that reflects his roots.
One of the first familiar faces joining him is Bobby April, who’s coming aboard as Buffalo’s outside linebackers coach. April worked under Leonhard at Wisconsin as the outside linebackers coach before heading to Stanford in 2022 to become their defensive coordinator. He had recently accepted a job at Minnesota to coach rush ends, but will now pivot to the NFL and reunite with Leonhard in Buffalo.
This isn’t April’s first stint with the Bills. He was on staff as their linebackers coach from 2015 to 2016, following Rex Ryan from the Jets. After his time in Buffalo, he transitioned to the college ranks, where he built a reputation as a sharp defensive coach - and someone Leonhard clearly trusts to help install his system at the pro level.
Leonhard’s staff is quickly taking shape. Alongside April, the Bills are bringing in John Egorugwu as the new inside linebackers coach. Egorugwu spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants, where he helped develop a young linebacker corps and earned respect for his attention to detail and player development.
In the secondary, Jay Valai is set to take over as the cornerbacks coach. Valai had been co-defensive coordinator at Oklahoma since 2022, and he brings a strong background in defensive back play and recruiting - a valuable combination for a unit that will need to stay sharp in a pass-heavy AFC.
What’s clear is this: Leonhard isn’t just stepping into a coordinator role - he’s building a defensive identity. The hires so far suggest a blend of familiarity, experience, and fresh energy, all geared toward restoring the Bills’ defense as a strength.
With Leonhard calling the shots and a staff that knows how to teach and connect, Buffalo’s defense is entering a new era. One that could be defined by creativity, aggression, and a whole lot of Badger DNA.