Former Wisconsin Badgers Coach Jim Leonhard Eyed for Buffalo Bills Defensive Coordinator Role

Leonhard, who began his NFL playing career with the Bills, is expected to be a leading candidate for the open defensive coordinator position.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Former Wisconsin Badgers player and coach Jim Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate for the open defensive coordinator role with the Buffalo Bills. Leonhard, who began his NFL playing career with the Bills after going undrafted from Wisconsin, has spent the last two seasons as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos.

Why it matters

This opportunity would allow Leonhard to return to the team that first gave him a shot in the NFL as a player. His only previous defensive coordinator experience came during his six seasons in that role at the University of Wisconsin under head coach Paul Chryst.

The details

While the language in the report from ESPN's Adam Schefter was not definitive, it indicates that Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate for the Bills' defensive coordinator job under new head coach Joe Brady. Leonhard will still need to formally interview for the position, but the report suggests a clear preference from Brady to bring Leonhard on board.

  • On January 27, 2026, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate for the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator role.

The players

Jim Leonhard

A former player and coach for the Wisconsin Badgers who is expected to be a leading candidate for the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator job. Leonhard began his NFL playing career with the Bills after going undrafted from Wisconsin.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who is reportedly interested in bringing Leonhard on as the team's defensive coordinator.

Paul Chryst

The former head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, under whom Leonhard served as the defensive coordinator for six seasons.

Adam Schefter

The ESPN reporter who broke the news that Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate for the Bills' defensive coordinator role.

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What they’re saying

“Sources: Broncos defensive pass coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate to become the next defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

Leonhard will need to formally interview for the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator position, but the report suggests he is the leading candidate for the job.

The takeaway

This opportunity would allow Jim Leonhard to return to the team that first gave him a chance in the NFL as a player, and it would represent his first defensive coordinator role at the professional level after serving in that capacity for six seasons at the University of Wisconsin. Leonhard's NFL coaching career continues to progress, making it less likely he will return to his alma mater as a head coach in the near future.