Former Wisconsin Badgers Coach Jim Leonhard Eyeing Return to NFL

It’s been a relatively quiet offseason for former Wisconsin Badgers football coach and current Illinois analyst Jim Leonhard.

Leonhard was a popular target among Green Bay Packers fans for the defensive coordinator opening that has since gone to Jeff Hafley. But his name has yet to be rumored for any other openings since.

Enter IlliniInquirer publisher Jeremy Werner, who finally broke the silence.

On Wednesday, Werner reported that Jim Leonhard is still currently on Bret Bielema’s staff at Illinois and has an open door to return to the Illini if he doesn’t find a job he wants elsewhere. The statement also mentions that Leonhard wants a job “not in college,” which implies interest in the NFL.

#illini Bret Bielema said Jim Leonhard is still on his staff. Leonhard has an opportunity to come back to Illinois if he doesn’t get a job he wants elsewhere. Bielema said he wants a job “not in college,” so likely the NFL.

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) February 7, 2024

Jim Leonhard Appears to Be Targeting NFL Coaching Job

Dec 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard with his son following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Unless Jim Leonhard simply doesn’t get any enticing job offers, it’s unlikely he’ll be coaching college football in any capacity next season.

On top of his season as a senior analyst at Illinois, Leonhard also has experience as a defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, and even a seven-game stretch with Wisconsin football as the interim head coach.

In his six seasons as the Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator, the program finished top 10 in points per game allowed four times, top 10 in total yardage four times, and routinely rolled out a dominant run defense.

Jim Leonhard has turned down multiple offers to become a defensive coordinator at some high-profile college destinations this offseason. Growing his career in the NFL appears to be his preference, and I’d be shocked if several franchises with openings weren’t lining up to give him a shot.

This will be an interesting situation to monitor—all Wisconsin Badgers fans want to see Leonhard land on his feet.

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