The Buffalo Bills originally gave Jim Leonhardt a shot after he went unselected in the 2005 NFL Draft, signing the undrafted safety out of the University of Wisconsin and launching his 10-year playing career. More than a decade later, sources say he’s set to return to Buffalo as a coach following two seasons as the Denver Broncos’ defensive passing game coordinator.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the Bills will hire Leonhardt as their defensive coordinator. Leonhardt — who also worked as Sean Payton’s assistant head coach in 2025 — will take over defensive play-calling duties for Joe Brady’s staff in Buffalo. He joined the Broncos before the 2024 season and served as their defensive backs coach that year.
Leonhardt’s most recent coordinator role was at his alma mater, where he was Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator from 2017 through 2022 and finished the 2022 campaign as the Badgers’ interim head coach. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Leonhardt interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens during this hiring cycle, but will instead lead a Bills defense that currently struggles against the run — allowing 136.2 rushing yards per game (28th in the league) — while yielding the 12th-fewest points per game at 21.5, per ESPN.
This story is being updated.
Fan Take: This hire is noteworthy because Leonhardt’s mix of college coordinator experience and recent NFL staff roles could help shore up Buffalo’s run defense while keeping their pass defense sharp. His journey from undrafted player to NFL coordinator also makes him a compelling figure for fans, signaling that fresh, developmental-minded coaches can rise quickly and influence team strategy.
