Latest News: Jim Leonhard Creating the NFL As a Coach, Jump,

Jim Leonhard Creating the NFL As a Coach, Jump, But Not With the Packers

Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, was eventually let go this summer, making room for a new leader to take charge of this team. Wisconsin Badger supporters, known as cheeseheads, had hoped that Jim Leonhard would be chosen to succeed Barry; but, Boston College’s Jeff Hafley was chosen for the position.

Even though Leonhard was not selected for this highly sought-after position, it appears like he will be joining the NFL as a coach in 2024.

According to Jeremy Folwer and Dan Graziano of ESPN, Leonhard is anticipated to join the Denver Broncos coaching staff in 2024. He will be in charge of Sean Payton’s secondary, the great coach.

For those who have followed Leonhard’s career, it took a while for him to make the transition to the NFL. In addition to elevating the Badgers to Big Ten prominence, his defense work turned them into a productive crop of professional athletes. That made him known as a promising coaching prospect.

Leonhard appeared to be the clear option after Wisconsin dismissed Paul Chryst, but Luke Fickell eventually beat him out. Leonhard accepted an analyst position with Illinois for the previous season, which allowed him to take a year off from serious game preparation, indicating how hurt he was by the choice.

Leonhard’s coaching career appears to have been revitalized by that respite (and maybe the Badgers’ troubles under Fickell, as well). After playing in the NFL for ten seasons, including one (2012) in Denver, he is now back in the professional ranks.

If Leonhard does well in this role under Payton, he may eventually receive significant employment offers. Maybe even here in Green Bay.