Bills Hire Jim Leonhard as Defensive Coordinator

New Bills coach Joe Brady makes key hire to lead defensive unit.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:55am

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The Buffalo Bills have hired Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator. Leonhard, a former NFL player who has coached at the college and pro levels, will take over the Bills' defense under new head coach Joe Brady.

Why it matters

As an offensive-minded head coach, Brady needed to find an experienced defensive coordinator to lead that side of the ball. Leonhard's background as a player and coach, including serving as the interim head coach at Wisconsin, makes him well-suited to take on this important role for the Bills.

The details

Leonhard began his NFL playing career as an undrafted free agent with the Bills in 2005. After three seasons in Buffalo, he went on to play for the Ravens, Jets, Broncos, and Browns over a 10-year career. He then transitioned into coaching, serving as a defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Wisconsin before joining the Broncos' staff in 2024 as a senior defensive analyst under Sean Payton.

  • Leonhard started his NFL playing career with the Bills in 2005.
  • He was the interim head coach at Wisconsin in 2022.
  • Leonhard joined the Broncos' staff in 2024 as a senior defensive analyst.

The players

Jim Leonhard

Leonhard is the new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. He has previous NFL playing experience with the Bills, Ravens, Jets, Broncos, and Browns, and has coached at the college and pro levels.

Joe Brady

Brady is the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills. He is an offensive-minded coach who needed to find an experienced defensive coordinator to lead that side of the ball.

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What’s next

Leonhard will now work to implement his defensive scheme and philosophy with the Bills' players during the offseason program and training camp.

The takeaway

The hiring of Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator is a key move for the Bills as they look to build a balanced team under new head coach Joe Brady. Leonhard's experience as both a player and coach should help the Bills improve on the defensive side of the ball.