4 Buffalo Bills' Winners After Jim Leonhard Hired as Defensive Coordinator

Players like Greg Rousseau, Cole Bishop, Christian Benford, and Dorian Williams could see increased roles under the new defensive scheme.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills have hired Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator, and his arrival could lead to increased roles for several players on the roster. Edge rusher Greg Rousseau, safeties Cole Bishop and Christian Benford, and linebacker Dorian Williams are among the potential winners as the team transitions to Leonhard's 3-4 defensive alignment.

Why it matters

The Bills' defensive transformation under Leonhard could significantly impact the team's roster construction and playing time for certain players. As the team shifts to a new defensive scheme, some players may see their roles expanded or diminished based on how well they fit Leonhard's vision for the defense.

The details

Rousseau, the Bills' top edge rusher, could thrive in a two-point stance in Leonhard's defense. Bishop, a physical and instinctive safety, seems to fit the mold of what Leonhard values at the position. Benford, a talented cornerback, may be allowed to continue locking down opposing team's top receivers. And the bigger, stronger Williams could see more playing time at linebacker compared to the smaller, quicker linebackers preferred under the previous regime.

  • The Bills hired Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Greg Rousseau

The Bills' top edge rusher who finished the 2025 season strong and is primed for a breakout year in Buffalo's new defensive scheme, which may call for him to line up in a two-point stance regularly.

Cole Bishop

A physical and instinctive safety who had a remarkable second professional season and could thrive under Leonhard, a former safety himself.

Christian Benford

A talented cornerback who may be allowed to continue locking down opposing team's top receivers in Leonhard's defense.

Dorian Williams

A bigger, stronger linebacker who could see more playing time compared to the smaller, quicker linebackers preferred under the previous regime.

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What they’re saying

“He kind of is the type of safety that I tried to be myself. So definitely gravitated to his game when he was getting out of college.”

— Jim Leonhard, Defensive Coordinator (Press Conference)

“He's a very talented player. He's had opportunities in the past to travel and track No. 1 receivers. It's something we will consider as we go on.”

— Jim Leonhard, Defensive Coordinator (Press Conference)

The takeaway

The Bills' defensive transformation under new coordinator Jim Leonhard could lead to increased roles and opportunities for several players on the roster, including edge rusher Greg Rousseau, safeties Cole Bishop and Christian Benford, and linebacker Dorian Williams, as the team shifts to a new defensive scheme that better suits their skills and abilities.