Jim Leonhard

2022 - 12 - 7

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Dairyland Express"

Jim Leonhard leaving Wisconsin; will Packers show interest again? (Dairyland Express)

Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is leaving Wisconsin after their bowl game. Will the Packers show interest in him again?

Another uphill battle that the Packers might be facing is that right now is hiring season in college football while Green Bay won’t legitimately begin their search — again, assuming they move on from Barry — for another month at least. He also has a lot of movement pre-snap by the front seven to help muddy things up for the quarterback and will use stunts and blitzes often, as he’s not afraid to leave his cornerbacks in man coverage. [Jim Leonhard](https://twitter.com/jimleonhard/status/1600326731592011776?s=20&t=OhrdMQfY6p7DfHPSy9oTeQ) will not be remaining at Wisconsin beyond the 2022 bowl season after being passed over for the head coach role in favor of Luke Fickell.

Wisconsin players react to Jim Leonhard's farewell announcement (Badgers Wire)

A true legend of Wisconsin football in every sense of the word has decided it's time to move on. On Tuesday night, Badgers defensive coordinator Jim ...

Really helped me expand my knowledge of the game. The without question! Best in the business! I am grateful to have had the chance to learn from him, and I know that he will succeed in whatever he decides to do next. Here is a look at Leonhard’s message to Badger nation: Leonhard was considered by many to be the frontrunner for Wisconsin’s head coaching job and served as the interim head coach following Paul Chryst’s firing.

Wisconsin AD, Luke Fickell praise Jim Leonhard after deciding not ... (247Sports)

Leonhard served as interim head coach for the final seven games of the regular season after Paul Chryst was fired in October, leading the Badgers to a 4-3 ...

I admire Jim as a coach and as a person and I look forward to following his successes in the future.” Leonard also had a decorated playing career for the Badgers from 2001-04, starting his career as a walk-on and developing into a three-time All-American safety. It has been an honor to coach these young men and thank you to all of the fans who supported us along the way. I have every confidence that Jim will be successful in whatever he chooses to do with this next chapter and I wish him, Katie and the boys nothing but the best.” “Jim Leonhard will forever be a Badger,” McIntosh said in the statement. The Badgers’ longtime defensive coordinator announced Tuesday evening that he is [parting ways with the program](https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Article/Jim-Leonhard-Wisconsin-Badgers-football-wont-return-to-coaching-staff-under-Luke-Fickell--199815909/) after the bowl game.

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard to leave Badgers in ... (WISN Milwaukee)

Jim Leonhard, who served as Wisconsin's interim coach for the last seven games of the regular season, says he won't be back with the Badgers next season.

Jim Leonhard to leave Wisconsin, providing defensive coordinator ... (Yahoo Sports)

Wisconsin interim coach and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard announced he is leaving the program. Could he make the short move from Madison to Green Bay ...

Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard Won't Return After Bowl Game (CalBearsMaven)

On Tuesday, Wisconsin interim coach and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard announced that he will not return to the program after this season.

2](https://www.si.com/college/2022/10/02/wisconsin-coach-paul-chryst-fired-after-eight-seasons-per-report) after a 2–3 start to the year. “After discussions with my family and Coach Fickell, I will remain the DC through the bowl game but no longer be a part of the staff after the conclusion of the 2022 season. “It has meant the world to me to be able to pour my heart and soul into the UW Football program over the last 7 years,” Leonhard wrote in a statement.

If Lincoln Riley and USC want to upgrade at defensive coordinator ... (Trojans Wire)

The coaching carousel is spinning. USC isn't looking for a head coach, and of course, its defensive coordinator spot is currently occupied.

One path for Riley and USC to consider: Bring in Jim Leonhard as a co-defensive coordinator with Grinch. USC and Lincoln Riley could try to step in now and make Leonhard an offer. He went 17-9 the past two years and led Purdue to the B1G West title. Leonhard did a great job with the Wisconsin defense this year, just as he does every year. However, he chose to not remain at UW for the 2023 season. USC isn’t looking for a head coach, and of course, its defensive coordinator spot is currently occupied.