Bills Poach Coach From Broncos, Name Him Defensive Coordinator
The Buffalo Bills have a new defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Buffalo’s DC moving forward will be Jim Leonhard, who’s been serving as the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos.
Per Rapoport, Leonhard was “coveted” by other teams.
Leonhard has built an impressive coaching career, transitioning from a standout NFL playing tenure to prominent roles on both college and professional sidelines.
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After retiring as a safety following a 10-year NFL career, Leonhard returned to his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, in 2016 as defensive backs coach. He advanced to defensive coordinator in 2017, holding that position through 2022 while also serving as defensive backs coach. In 2022, he took on interim head coach duties for Wisconsin, guiding the team to a 4-3 record in that capacity.
In 2023, Leonhard moved to the University of Illinois as a senior football analyst before making his NFL coaching debut. The Broncos hired him in February 2024 as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. His impact proved immediate, contributing to a strong secondary that saw cornerback Pat Surtain II earn Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year honors in his first season.
The Broncos rewarded Leonhard’s contributions with a promotion on March 6, 2025, to assistant head coach while retaining his defensive pass game coordinator responsibilities. During the 2025 season, Denver’s defense continued to perform at a high level, with Leonhard overseeing the pass game and helping the unit maintain effectiveness even amid key absences.
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