The Buffalo Bills may be zeroing in on a familiar defensive mind as they take aim at the next phase in the rebuilding process under new head coach Joe Brady. Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonard is expected to be the leading candidate to become the next defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, according to Adam Schefter.
Leonhard, currently on staff with the Denver Broncos, has built a reputation as one of the sharp, up and coming defensive minds in football, particularly in pass coverage.
Leonhard spent multiple seasons with the Buffalo Bills as a safety in the mid-2000s before a successful career on Rex Ryan’s Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets defenses. After Leonhard’s NFL playing career, he made his name as University of Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator, where they were consistently ranked among the best in efficiency, turnovers, and red-zone defense.
For the Bills, Leonhard represents more than just a fit. Buffalo’s defense has remained competitive despite injuries and turnover, but inconsistency and playoff breakdowns have been costly.
If the Bills do move forward with Leonhard, it would signal a commitment to evolution on the defensive side, injecting fresh ideas and modern adjustments. The Broncos and Leonhard’s Wisconsin teams all ran a base 3-4 defense.
