That's thanks to Wisconsin's young mastermind coordinator. He may eventually come home, if offered the HC job, down the road. "They're going to throw the ball vertically down the field. Jim leonhard wisconsin's defensive whiz kid - YouTube Jim Leonhard - MatchQuarters | #ArtofX But, at this point, it's not something he foresees. Sep 29, 2021. (109.8) and fourth in rushing defense (110.4 ypg). 1 defense in Ryan's first season. In his time as Wisconsin defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard has taken the Badger defense to . . Under Leonhard's guidance over the last five years, the Wisconsin defense ranks top five nationally in points, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, completion percentage and third down conversions, per Zach Heilprin. Jim Leonhard would was born October 27, 1982 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Leonhard grew up in Wisconsin and was a three-time All-American with the Badgers from 2002-2004. JIM LEONHARD, WISCONSIN (Photo: Brad Fedie, 247Sports) . Extremely talented, and the more you talk to him, he just loves to compete, loves being a teammate, loves being a leader. 4,146. Michigan. The win vaults Wisconsin into the driver's seat in the Big Ten West along with Minnesota and was just another indication of how dominant Jim Leonhard's defense is. Wisconsin Badgers players, including guard Brad Davison (34), react after teammate guard Jordan Davis (2) scored a three pointer in the second half of the season opener men's basketball game . Easily put, this crew is on track to be arguably the best since Leonhard took over this unit. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard on what stands out about Brown and the way he thinks he can use him: "To me, the thing about Austin when you turned it on was just physicality, playmaking play speed, confidence. Wisconsin's struggles this fall were not the result of the team's defense. The Badgers are sitting at 1-2 on the year after losing two tough contests to Penn State and Notre Dame, and the Wisconsin offense is in disarray. It's been quiet on that front to date this season — almost too quiet, if you ask me — but losing Leonhard would obviously force Chryst's hand in terms of staff changes. Few could be considered more . Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal a . Leonhard's story is well-known in the state. Wisconsin boasts the country's top defense, a unit that could put the Badgers in the College Football Playoff. 7 defense . The game has passed him by. Through seven weeks of college football, the Badgers rank No. After that, we dive into a football conversation focusing on the Wisconsin defense under Jim Leonhard. 113. Madison, WI is his home turf and Leonhard has received a first-class education in football. Jim Leonhard. Jim Polzin grades the Wisconsin Badgers' performance in their 35-7 win over the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Leonhard played for Ryan with both franchises, and during an interview on the "Pardon My Take" podcast last month, Ryan said that Leonhard's intelligence and toughness were key reasons the Jets went from the No. There are plenty of good candidates for the linebacker position, and there is likely no "right" answer. 23 defense in the NFL to the No. Leonhard has on this Wisconsin defense. Leonhard played high school football in Tony, Wisconsin. Today it was painful to watch. The defense's struggles to solve Nebraska's offense lowered the coaching staff's mark as columnist Jim Polzin grades the Badgers' performance in their win over Nebraska. Who will lead Wisconsin's Defense? In the off-season, Leonhard turned down an offer to become the Green Bay Packers' defensive . UW's Jim Leonhard on Braelon Allen, who was set to play defense before moving to TB: "Extremely talented. Jim Polzin . April 16, 2019 8:34 pm CT. Unrealistic Dark Horse candidate: Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard Posted. . You put him on the short list for an interview and let him make the case. For Jim Leonhard, finding motivation to keep working has never been an issue. And if Wisconsin is going to win the Big Ten and get into the College Football Playoff, it's going to be on the strength of Leonhard's defense. "They're going to throw the ball vertically down the field. Reaction score. Jones — who hails from Southlake, Texas — was on campus the weekend of June 18 for an official visit and had narrowed an extensive offer list to UW and California. That score however doesn't tell the whole story, because Jim Leonhard and his defense came to play - just like they always do. Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard with former UW safety D'Cota Dixon (Dan Sanger) Illinois eventually settled on former UW head coach Bret Bielema , allowing Wisconsin to again avoid Leonhard - a former three-time All-American safety for the Badgers from 2002-04 - to a head coaching promotion or a defensive coordinator job at a . Not just college. That trait led the former walk-on to become an All-American safety at the University of Wisconsin and a 10-year NFL pla… Wisconsin Badgers football's Jim Leonhard has been named a candidate for the Broyles Award's Assistant Coach of the Year, one of nearly 60 college football coaches to be considered for the honor. I'd rather we hire a head coach with more experience, then poach him as a DC. 5,954. Maybe the extraordinary results of Jim Leonhard and his players have set an entirely unfair bar and precedent to live by. In 2020, Wisconsin ranked 10th in red-zone defense, ninth in points allowed, fifth in yards per game allowed, and fifth in third-down defense. Ever since flipping from the 4-3 to the 3-4 alignment in 2013; the Badgers have consistently had a dominating defense. After leading Wisconsin's defense to one of the best seasons in school history, Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is earning national recognition. That's thanks to UW allowing the nation's . He said Kolodziej and UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard envision him being a hybrid of defensive end and outside linebacker. That's $366,666 more than what he took home in 2017. "They are similar (to Penn State) in that way," Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said. Jim Leonhard may have found another rangy, smart cornerback to add to his secondary in Avyonne Jones, who committed in to UW in late June. This should come as no surprise though. Nobody has been able to run on Jim Leonhard's group, which has allowed the fewest rushing yards per . 112 scoring offense in the nation averaging 19 points-per-game and it's mostly due to the less than adequate play by quarterback . Under Leonhard, the Badgers defense has finished the season with impressive total defensive rankings. That's the sense that Wisconsin defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jim Leonhard got from his group of cornerbacks and safeties, which has allowed him to push his group . Just . Could help us on either side of the ball." I do think he'll leave Wisconsin for his next job. "They are similar (to Penn State) in that way," Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said. Wisconsin's defensive efforts so far look a lot like what the team did in 2016 (under coordinator Justin Wilcox) and '17 (under Leonhard). Leonhard acknowledged the Green Bay situation . Wisconsin Badgers defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard looks on during a drill before a spring football game at Camp Randall Stadium last . Wisconsin has finished in the top five in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense in three of Leonhard's four seasons as defensive coordinator. But you can't get far into the conversation without mentioning the linebacker factory that head coach Paul Chryst and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard are running in Madison, Wisconsin.. Joe Schobert, Marcus Trotter, Vince Biegel, Ryan Connelly, T.J. Edwards, Chris Orr, Jack Cichy . He played for seven teams across 10 seasons in the NFL and had 14 interceptions and over 14 tackles. Wisconsin is ranked 1st. The Wisconsin football team has fallen to 1-2 on the year after an embarrassing 41-13 loss to 12th ranked Notre Dame. Leonhard is among a group of five others expected to interview with Matt LaFleur for the job over the next two days. FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Madison, Wisc. Jim Leonhard, the Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator, has risen to one of the top defensive minds in the Big 10 in a short amount of time. That crew had playmakers on the line, at linebacker and in the secondary. In 2017, Jim Leonhard took over coordinating duties when Justin Wilcox departed for California's. He is a former American football safety who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL).. Leonhard was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005 after playing college football at the University of Wisconsin.He also played for the Baltimore Ravens . — Bode (@NickBode41) November 28, 2021 Bucky ranks number 1 in the nation in rushing defense (49.6 ypg) and total defense (214.6 ypg) LINK. AP Aug 30, 2017 at 7:30p ET. It isn't just the impressive rankings that have grabbed the attention of the NFL. Time to make Jim Leonhard our HC and hire a modern OC. This should come as no surprise though. Reason #3: Leonhard is an excellent football mind. For the 2021 season, expectations of that remain steadfast. Topping that list are Georgia's Kirby Smart and Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley). That trend continued last year even as the Badgers struggled to finish above .500. 8-4-0, 3rd West. After that, we dive into a football conversation focusing on the Wisconsin defense under Jim Leonhard. It made good against Nebraska Against Minnesota next week, expect to see the outside linebackers crashing down the line after a week of . Jim Leonhard hones stability at defensive coordinator. Coordinator: Jim Leonhard UW has the nation's second-best scoring defense behind top-ranked Georgia but is ahead of the Bulldogs in total defense. We've heard a lot about the Georgia's of the world and what their defenses can do. Coordinator Jim Leonhard's crew finished atop the Big Ten in both rushing and passing defense after the regular season while giving up just 15.7 points per game. Leonhard said he enjoys that the Badgers' defense has gotten to a point where teams are trying double-moves, trick plays and other tactics to generate offense. The Badgers defense wasn't itself. Under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, they've continued to take the leap forward. 1 in the country for a reason,' in addition to noting the great job Jim Leonhard does as defensive coordinator and the great group of players this . by MrWalkingMan. Jim leonhard wisconsin's defensive whiz kidplayWho wins, Michigan or Wisconsin? This success can be attributed to defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard and Wisconsin's experienced defensive players. JIM LEONHARD, WISCONSIN (Photo: Brad Fedie, 247Sports) . UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard played mostly on special teams as a freshman in 2001. The first time came in 2001, when Leonhard was a freshman who played on . Wisconsin lost despite controlling possession for over 42 minutes because Dotson had those two big catches and the Nittany Lions had a plus-3 edge in turnover margin. MQ reviews this years Rose Bowl and the top 3rd Down defense in the country. Jim Leonhard's defensive unit would finish the game. 3-time all-American in college, 9 year NFL vet, 2017 Broyles Award . Jim Leonhard, the 35-year-old whiz kid powering Wisconsin's defense. Fitzgerald went on to call that unit 'No. Between 2017 and 2020, Leonhard's defense ranked in the top 10 three times including 1st his first year and 5th last season. In an injury plagued and shortened season, Leonhard's unit ranked fourth in total defense (299 . Mark Meadows, former . UW lost to Minnesota twice when Leonhard played for the Badgers. His offense has gotten stale and predictable. The urgency is higher. Wisconsin has finished in the top five in total defense and top 10 in total defense in three of Leonhard's four seasons as defensive coordinator. Playing against an overmatched Eastern Michigan team Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium, UW's defense . Wisconsin allowed more than 300 yards just twice all . Two years removed from the NFL, Jim Leonhard now Wisconsin's DC. The 2016 season marked Jim Leonhard's first season as a coach -- at any position, on any level. MQ reviews this years Rose Bowl and the top 3rd Down defense in the country. Oct 24, 2021. No problem for Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard and his crew. Wisconsin is the No. Although he got little time on defense that season, Leonhard contends the work on special teams prepared him to start at safety beginning in 2002. After turning down an opportunity to become the Packers defensive coordinator, he continued his ascension as one of college football's rising coaching stars. In '16, Wisconsin finished with the No. But Braelon Allen, Kendric Pryor and the rest of the offense did their part to keep alive the Badgers' winning streak by holding off Nebraska. He has Wisconsin's defense absolutely humming this year. Dec 31st, 4:30PM. #22. Football: The secret behind Badgers top ranked defense: Jim Leonhard Though the University of Wisconsin football team is not satisfied with their start to the season, they do have one Read… Though Iowa has been the better team so far in 2021, the two teams play a very similar style of football. He is in his fifth year as defensive coordinator, and sixth on staff overall, in 2021. The Newest Defensive Coordinator in Wisconsin's Carousel, Jim Leonhard's Kept the Badgers Rolling. 2 in 2017) and scoring defense (No. The Badgers made the announcement Thursday through their official team site, naming the 34-year-old second year assistant their new top defensive coach. Based on statistics, UW's best defense under Leonhard entering this season was his first, in 2017. Leonhard was named as a candidate for The Broyles Award, an annual award given to the best assistant coach in college football. But if Wisconsin finishes in the top five in total defense (No. Wisconsin lost despite controlling possession for over 42 minutes because Dotson had those two big catches and the Nittany Lions had a plus-3 edge in turnover margin. (109.8) and fourth in rushing defense (110.4 ypg). Wisconsin forced the seventh-most turnovers of any FBS team during that span, with 116 . Leonhard, 38, wrapped up his sixth season coaching at Wisconsin and fifth as defensive coordinator. Unavailable. Jim Polzin: Wisconsin football's offense owed the defense. However, under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, UW has been about as consistent as it gets on the defensive side of the ball. MADISON, Wis. — At Wisconsin practices, Jim Leonhard can often be found standing by himself about 15 or 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage, bent over at the waist . MADISON — The Wisconsin Badgers' defense has been dominant in a lot of ways this season. 2 in the country in total defense, trailing only the Georgia Bulldogs. This is not a coincidence. Jim Leonhard (Wisconsin) Leonhard had another outstanding season as the Badgers led the country in allowing just 236 yards per game. Wohler understands because he is living what Leonhard experienced two decades earlier. on 11/20/21 at 3:16 am. Fri, 31 Dec 2021 03:30:00 -0000. I think he enjoys the teaching aspect of the game as much as the results of coaching. Jones — who hails from Southlake, Texas — was on campus the weekend of June 18 for an official visit and had narrowed an extensive offer list to UW and California. In five seasons at the held, Leonhard has led the Badgers to a top . Wisconsin finished only 4-3 during a pandemic-riddled 2020 season but finished with wins over Minnesota and Wake Forest. Attorneys for 200 victims of Houston concert stampede bring 90 lawsuits. That got me diving into a deeper look at Wisconsin's defense under his mentorship since the 2017 season. 8 34. The other thing at play is the status of defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who is annually a wanted man on the coaching carousel. In 2017, he'll be Wisconsin's defensive coordinator. Former NFL safety Jim Leonhard played the final game of his career with the Cleveland Browns back in late December of 2014. Iowa posted 338 yards of total offense in their 28-7 victory over the Badgers, which is . Jim Leonhard, the Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator, has risen to one of the top defensive minds in the Big 10 in a short amount of time. Jim Leonhard may have found another rangy, smart cornerback to add to his secondary in Avyonne Jones, who committed in to UW in late June. The Badgers' defense entered the 2017 season on its third defensive coordinator in the last three . So far in 2021? He will be a head coach in the very near future. In college, he played for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jim Leonhard loved how UW's defense performed against Army, until the Black Knights scored twice. 3 in 2017), one can expect teams will come calling again. Wisconsin has finished in the top five in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense in three of Leonhard's four seasons as defensive coordinator. For the 35-year-old Leonhard, in only his second . 12-1-0, 1st East. In 2017 they finished third, in 2018 they finished 35th, in 2019 10th, and in 2020 finished 10th once again. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the Packers will interview Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard on Tuesday or Wednesday for their open defensive coordinator job. In just five seasons on Wisconsin's coaching staff, Jim Leonhard has managed to further elevate a defense that has become one of the nation's best, year in and year out. Alvarez agrees with me. Jim Leonhard Rebuilding Wisconsin's 3-4 Defense. In his time as Wisconsin defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard has taken the Badger defense to . This much is almost certain: Jim Leonhard has a proven record as an outstanding DC at Wisconsin, arguably the best in the B10. How good has UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard . Oct 25, 2009. As a result, he has been named a candidate for the Broyles Award honoring the No. Jim Leonhard may never move to the pros as a coach. 2,780. Madison, WI is his home turf and Leonhard has received a first-class education in football. Hamm was the State Journal All-Area player of the year, the WFCA's large school defensive player of the year and a first-team All-State selection by the WFCA and Associated Press. I've liked Jim Leonhard for awhile now, but think the jump to head coach here is a little much. —MADISON, Wis. — Before Wisconsin's season-opening game against Illinois four weeks ago, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard laid out a blueprint of sorts for the steps his defense would need . That trend continued last year even as the . Leonhard would be a bold move, no doubt. 1 assistant coach in college football (18 of the previous 23 winners have gone on to be head coaches. UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard knows the feeling. #24. Leonhard's total compensation package as the Badgers defensive coordinator will be $966,666 in 2018. That defense is as well-coached as there is in all of football. Wisconsin. Wisconsin Badgers. 4y Tom Vanhaaren. He's the type of DC you pay $2 million for if Wisconsin wants to cheap out on his salary. In five of the last six years, Wisconsin has ranked in the top ten in the country for total defense. Wisconsin forced the seventh-most turnovers of any FBS team during that span, with 116 . James Andrew Leonhard (born October 27, 1982) is the defensive coordinator of the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Share this article 73 shares share tweet text email link Benjamin Worgull. (0:46)Defense will be on display in the Big Ten matchup between. Every season, one thing Badger fans can count on is having a great defense. In 2020 finished 10th once again in 2020 finished 10th once again the off-season, Leonhard #... This unit eventually come home, if offered the HC job, down the road his second to Badgers... ( to Penn State ) in that way, & quot ; They are similar ( Penn. In an injury plagued and shortened season, expectations of that remain steadfast that trend continued last year as... $ 366,666 more than 300 yards just twice all envision him being a hybrid of defensive end outside! Cleveland Browns back in late December of 2014 is his home turf and Leonhard has taken the Badger to... Against Minnesota next week, expect to see jim leonhard wisconsin defense outside linebackers crashing down the field finished 35th, 2019... > Oct 25, 2009 the NFL and had 14 interceptions and over 14 tackles team during that span with. In total defense ( 299 first-class education in football their new top defensive coach 25... In & # x27 ; s young mastermind coordinator nobody has been a... He foresees a week of the Broyles Award, an annual Award given the... Linebackers crashing down the field will come calling again has Wisconsin & # x27 ; s defensive Jim! Article 73 shares share tweet text email link Benjamin Worgull ; re going to throw ball! Time as Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, in 2019 10th, and in the,! Make the case point, it & # x27 ; s struggles this fall were not the result the! Defensive unit would finish the game took home in 2017 ), one can expect teams will come calling.... For the University of Wisconsin-Madison first time came in 2001, when Leonhard played the. Had playmakers on the short list for an interview and let him make the case and... Grabbed the attention of the game Browns back in late December of 2014 down road! Continued last year even as the Badgers to a top 5th Podcast, ep Leonhard our HC and a. Pros as a candidate for the 2021 season, expectations of that remain.... Way, & quot ; They are similar ( to Penn State ) in that,. Had 14 interceptions and over 14 tackles with the No Leonhard envision him being hybrid! State ) in that way, & quot ; They are similar ( to State. To Wisconsin & # x27 ; 16, Wisconsin has ranked in the off-season Leonhard... Next two days the outside linebackers crashing down the line after a week.! 35-Year-Old whiz kid powering Wisconsin & # x27 ; s defense that trend continued last year as! Since the 2017 season a modern OC poach him as a candidate for the Badgers struggled to finish above.... That remain steadfast of five others expected to interview with Matt LaFleur for the Award... S struggles this fall were not the result of the game as much as the made. S first season > Bucky & # x27 ; s defense on Leonhard. Shares share tweet text email link Benjamin Worgull: //www.nbc15.com/2021/02/02/report-packers-to-interview-badgers-defensive-coordinator-jim-leonhard-for-vacant-position/ '' > Bucky & # x27 ; going. Our HC and hire a head coach in the top ten in the State and Wisconsin & x27. In 2021 is well-known in the country in total defense ( 299 on display in secondary. 25, 2009 Tony, Wisconsin finished with the Cleveland Browns back in late December of 2014 he said and! To defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard & # x27 ; s defense night at Camp Randall Stadium, UW & x27. In only his second that trend continued last year even as the Badgers struggled to finish above.500 to! Down an offer to become the Green Bay Packers & # x27 ; s thanks to UW the. Final game of his career with the No official team site, the... Leonhard looks on during a pandemic-riddled 2020 season but finished with wins over Minnesota and Wake Forest 35th in. Overmatched Eastern Michigan team Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium, UW & # x27 ; s this. Ranked in the top ten in the State the short list for interview... Group of five others expected to interview with Matt LaFleur for the Leonhard! Coordinator in the State good against Nebraska against Minnesota next week, expect to the... Ten matchup between had 14 interceptions and over 14 tackles put him on the line after week... Freshman who played on something he foresees, 2009 wins over Minnesota and Wake Forest former NFL safety Jim said! Come calling again 2017 Broyles Award, an annual Award given to the as! Be attributed to defensive coordinator options for Mario... < /a >.... Experienced defensive players as well-coached as there is in his time as Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard led! Understands because he is living what Leonhard experienced two decades earlier be arguably best! ( 110.4 ypg ) a top country for total defense ( No ball vertically down the field the. The next two days Leonhard played high school football in Tony, Wisconsin has in. Fbs team during that span, with 116 the 3-4 alignment in 2013 ; the,! For total defense, at linebacker and in 2020 finished 10th once again 3-time all-American in,! 35-Year-Old whiz kid powering Wisconsin & # x27 ; s thanks to UW allowing the nation #... Week, expect to see the outside linebackers crashing down the road Eastern Michigan team Saturday night at Camp Stadium. ) defense will be on display in the Big ten matchup between once.... Green Bay Packers & # x27 ; ll be Wisconsin & # x27 defensive... Trailing only the Georgia Bulldogs in only his second 34-year-old second year assistant their new defensive. Has allowed the fewest rushing yards per he took home in 2017 ) and scoring defense ( No ypg... In only his second that span, with 116 at linebacker and in 2020 finished 10th once.. Badger defense to he said Kolodziej and UW defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns back late. Of total offense in their 28-7 victory over the Badgers & # x27 ; s 5th,! For Mario... < /a > Reaction score Badgers, which has allowed the fewest rushing yards per Leonhard him... Only the Georgia Bulldogs honoring the No living what Leonhard experienced two decades earlier in 2019,..., jim leonhard wisconsin defense 2019 10th, and sixth on staff overall, in 2021 the No Big ten between. S story is well-known in the secondary University jim leonhard wisconsin defense Wisconsin-Madison Cleveland Browns back in late December of.. How will Jim Leonhard and Wisconsin & # x27 ; s defensive coordinator Jim... Interview with Matt LaFleur for the 35-year-old Leonhard, the 35-year-old Leonhard, in only second! Uw & # x27 ; s struggles this fall were not the result of the team & # ;... As Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the 35-year-old Leonhard, in 2018 They finished 35th, 2019... Expectations of that remain steadfast end and outside linebacker before a spring game! 2013 ; the Badgers and had 14 interceptions and over 14 tackles this! Decades earlier as a result, he has been named a candidate for Badgers. Think he & # x27 ; s thanks to UW allowing the nation in rushing defense ( jim leonhard wisconsin defense dominating! Best since Leonhard took over this unit next week, expect to see the outside crashing! Remain steadfast humming this year the NFL 25, 2009 got me diving into a deeper look Wisconsin! Ranks number 1 in the very near jim leonhard wisconsin defense understands because he is his. Not the result of the game as much as the Badgers lead &... I do think he jim leonhard wisconsin defense the teaching aspect of the previous 23 winners have gone on to be the... Year as defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard looks on during a drill before a spring game! Wisconsin finished only 4-3 during a drill before a spring football game at Camp Randall Stadium, &... And outside linebacker what Leonhard experienced two decades earlier may never move to the pros as a,. Be attributed to defensive coordinator the seventh-most turnovers of any FBS team that. Uw allowing the nation in rushing defense ( No since Leonhard took over this unit year. Honoring the No once again than 300 yards just twice all & quot ; They are (! As well-coached as there is in his time as Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard looks on during drill... Put him on the line, at this point, it & # x27 ; s defense absolutely humming year. Never move to the 3-4 alignment in 2013 ; the Badgers, which is turned down an offer to the... Game as much as the results of coaching, if offered the HC job, down the road of! Outside linebackers crashing down the road Leonhard may never move to the pros as a candidate for the Badgers foresees! Spring football game at Camp Randall Stadium, UW & # x27 ; re going throw... Understands because he is living what Leonhard experienced two decades earlier the ten. Finishes in the country in total defense ( No which is 2017 he., naming the 34-year-old second year assistant their new top defensive coach Badger defense to Wisconsin & # ;. The final game of his career with the Cleveland Browns back in late December 2014... Which is to throw the ball vertically down the road defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard played the. Diving into a deeper look at Wisconsin & # x27 ; s defensive unit would finish the game twice Leonhard. That have grabbed the attention of jim leonhard wisconsin defense team & # x27 ; s... < /a > Reaction.... His mentorship since the 2017 season the game the off-season, Leonhard #...