Jim Leonhard Reuniting With the Wisconsin Badgers Not Realistic

Look, I get it. Why wouldn’t Wisconsin Badgers fans want Jim Leonhard to return to the football program? He’s a legend on and off the field and one of the brightest defensive minds in the entire game.

But I need to stop you right there. The odds of Leonhard returning to the Badgers one season after he was passed over for the head coaching job is entirely unrealistic. That idea is even less realistic when you consider that many people are clamoring for Luke Fickell to hire him as the safeties coach following the departure of Colin Histchler to Alabama.

In case you haven’t noticed, the news on the Leonhard front has been awfully quiet, and he plays things pretty close to the vest.

The former Wisconsin Badgers coach has turned down countless offers to become a defensive coordinator at some high-profile destinations this offseason. Returning to UW to coach safeties would make zero sense for him—Leonhard is over-qualified. 

It’s not likely because he’s going to stay on as an analyst at Illinois, much like Paul Chryst chose to do at Texas. No, it’s because he probably has his sights on something more significant than the college scene has to offer.

It’s Time for Wisconsin Badgers Legend Jim Leonhard to Test the NFL Waters

Jim Leonhard swiftly ascended through the coaching ranks with the Wisconsin Badgers, showcasing a remarkable and rapid progression.

After joining Paul Chryst’s staff as a defensive backs coach in 2016, he assumed the defensive coordinator role in 2017 after Justin Wilcox took the Cal head coaching job and never looked back.

In his six seasons as defensive coordinator, the Wisconsin Badgers had five top 15 defenses, including four in the top 10, five top 20 scoring defenses, four of which were in the top 10, three top 15 passing defenses, and five top 10 run defenses. In short, he’s really good at his job.

Leonhard held that position until 2022, when he was eventually thrust into the interim head coaching role after Chryst was fired, leading the program to a 4-3 record and helping Wisconsin become bowl-eligible.

As you may remember, Jim Leonhard was offered the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator job in 2021 but declined.

I think he’s positioned himself to take that leap of faith this offseason into the NFL because there will be no shortage of suitors. If this weren’t the route Leonhard wanted to take, he would have already interviewed for college head coaching jobs this cycle.

Anytime a Wisconsin Badgers assistant is fired or takes another job, it’s become the norm to throw out names of former players who are in the coaching ranks to assume the spot and “come home.” But that’s not going to happen here. I promise.

There may be a reunion someday, and we’ll make sure to leave the light on for Mr. Leonhard, but that day isn’t today.

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