Report: Jim Leonhard Could Be Badgers Defensive Backs Coach
By Jim Oxley
Jim Leonhard could be the Badgers new defensive backs coach
According to a report from Jon McNamara of Rivals, Jim Leonhard could be the next defensive backs coach for the Wisconsin Badgers. Leonhard played at UW from 2001-2005, and spent 10 years in the NFL.
Related Story: Jim Leonhard Retires After 10-Year NFL Career
The news broke on Twitter, but McNamara stresses it is unconfirmed.
Have not confirmed yet, but it looks like former #Badgers all-American Jim Leonhard will be #Wisconsin's new DB coach. Again, not confirmed.
— Jon McNamara (@McNamaraRivals) February 20, 2016
Leonhard, who walked onto the Wisconsin football team in 2001, became an All-American and one of the most memorable Wisconsin Alumni in the history of the university.
He now could be the next defensive backs coach, taking the place of Daronte Jones, who was hired away by the Miami Dolphins as a defensive backs assistant.
Leonhard played 51 games as a Badger, starting 14 games at strong safety and 25 at free safety. He also returned punts during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons.
In his Wisconsin career, Leonhard had 281 total tackles, 50 passes defended and 21 interceptions, including an 11-interception sophomore campaign that led to the first of many All-American honors from varying outlets. The 11 interceptions tied a Big Ten single-season record.
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Leonhard had 105 career punt returns for 1,347 yards and three touchdowns, as well.
In the NFL, Leonhard went undrafted in 2005, but went on to play 10 seasons for five different teams, starting his career with the Buffalo Bills before playing for the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Jets, the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns.
He retired with 329 total tackles and 108 punt returns for 998 yards in his 10-year career.
The Badgers secondary is in need of guidance this year after it loses three starters from last year’s group – Michael Caputo, Tanner McEvoy and Darius Hillary. Only Sojourn Shelton returns among the starters.
The Badgers have a young group at the position, but bringing in a guy like Leonhard – who has played high-quality ball at both the NCAA and NFL level – would be a great move for Wisconsin.
New defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox is a former defensive back and defensive backs coach as well, so the new DB coach will have an experienced coordinator to turn to, making the transition much easier.
While the news remains unconfirmed, bringing an established alumni like Leonhard back would be a good move for the program. He may be inexperienced as a coach, but with an established veteran coach like Wilcox to teach him the ropes, he could be a nice addition to the coaching staff.
Next: Top 50 Players in Wisconsin Football History
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