![]() Leonhard’s playing career, however, was a story of him constantly being underestimated. As a Wisconsin native and Madison resident, the allure of coaching in the NFL may be easier to accept if it involves a short move to Green Bay. Edwards, Ryan Connelly, and Chris Orr have all gone on to play in the NFL, and Leo Chenal looks to be the next star inside ‘backer when he makes the jump to the pros in the future.Īt 38 years old, Leonhard is rightfully viewed as a rising star in the coaching profession. While edge rushers like Leon Jacobs, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Zack Baun have starred in Madison and gone on to productive NFL careers, Leonhard’s defenses have also generated standout play from the inside linebacker position as well. In three of those seasons (2017, ‘19, and ‘20), the Badgers finished in the top ten in all of college football in points allowed, with a high mark of 3rd in 2017.įollowing the Pettine/Ryan philosophy, Leonhard runs a 3-4 system that would be relatively familiar to Packers fans and would likely fit the Packers’ defensive personnel well. In his four seasons as DC, the Badgers have consistently fielded one of the best and most consistent defenses in college football. After just one season in that position, Leonhard earned a promotion to defensive coordinator, while maintaining his duties as defensive backs coach. Now, the Packers have an interview scheduled with Leonhard for early this week, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.įollowing his retirement from the NFL at the conclusion of the 2014 season, Leonhard took a year off to reset and acclimate back to college football, then took a job as Wisconsin’s defensive backs coach in 2016. ![]() A former safety for the Badgers, Leonhard played ten years in the NFL with five teams, largely playing for Rex Ryan and/or departing Packers DC Mike Pettine. He probably is just able to identify a really good, young coach when he sees one.Īs the Green Bay Packers assemble a list of candidates for their open defensive coordinator position, a hot name on the minds of Packers fans is Wisconsin Badgers DC Jim Leonhard. ![]() Trust me when I say Wisconsin fans are definitely fired up to see what Fickell does.Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has heard the cries from fans of his team around the state of Wisconsin, and he is listening. Jim Leonhard is beloved by fans, but that doesn’t mean supporters of the program still aren’t excited for the new future. Jim Leonhard coached his final game with the program. Luke Fickell is now in complete control of the Wisconsin Badgers. Now, it’s time for him to find his new landing spot, which will likely be in the NFL, and for Fickell to officially take the Badgers to the next level. There’s no question he deserves all the love and admiration Wisconsin fans have shown him for a long time. Nobody represents Wisconsin football better than him, and it was great to see Fickell give him his well-earned moment in the spotlight. He gave everything to the program he played for. Jim Leonhard ends his career at Wisconsin with a win over Oklahoma State. Fans are amped up for the Fickell era, but it’s also a bit sad to watch Jim Leonhard ride off into the sunset. However, AD Chris McIntosh decided to go a different direction and hire Luke Fickell.
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