The former First Team All-American made his head coaching debut against none other than Northwestern, as the Badgers rolled 42-7 in Evanston.Īs HC, Leonhard finished with a 4-3 record, leading UW to bowl eligibility. Leonhard, who had been defensive coordinator at Wisconsin since 2017, was named interim head coach following the shocking firing of Paul Chryst.
Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin interim head coach Below is a compilation of 10 names to keep an eye on based on the aforementioned qualifications, fits, overall success and more. Also, each had at least 20 years of coaching experience.įrom recently fired stars to up-and-comers with Wildcat ties, there is no shortage of options for Fitzgerald to pore over. First, all had prior experience as defensive coordinators at the collegiate level. For context, Fitzgerald unofficially named Mike Bajakian Mick McCall’s successor five days following news of the longtime OC’s departure, and the head coach zeroed in on O’Neil 18 days after the 2021 Citrus Bowl and the retirement of Mike Hankwitz.Ĭertain criterion can also be gleaned from NU’s last three defensive coordinators: O’Neil (2021-22), Hankwitz (2008-20) and Greg Colby (2002-07). When a new defensive coordinator will be hired is anyone’s guess, but recent history suggests it may occur in early-to-mid December. With O’Neil out of the picture, Pat Fitzgerald and the Wildcats must conduct a search - a broad one at that - to determine their next defensive whiz. The struggles of O’Neil’s defense, which gave up at least 17 points in 21 of 24 games under the DC, were well-documented during his tenure in Evanston. He also has 33 pass breakups since 2007.On Tuesday afternoon, Northwestern football announced it had parted ways with three coaches, the most notable of them defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil. He has 12 interceptions, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his 10-year career. Leonhard is not much a play-maker but has proven to be capable of creating big plays. Leonard could serve as a nice stop-gap starter and special teams gunner for the Browns as they transition into their third coaching regime in three seasons.
#JIM LEONHARD SALARY FREE#
Ward walk in free agency, but even if they choose to franchise tag him, they will still need at least one other starter. He is a favorite of new Browns head coach Mike Pettine and could close out his career in Cleveland. Still, Leonhard has had stints with Buffalo, Denver, Baltimore and the New York Jets in his career. He is currently among the shortest and lightest defensive players in the league. The 5-foot-8, 188-pound defensive back is built in the old school style of a safety. Leonhard has had productive and successful career based not only on his entrance into the league but his size as well. He finished the season with 30 tackles and a career-high four interceptions. He appeared in all 16 games last season, while starting seven of them.
#JIM LEONHARD SALARY PRO#
Leonhard served as a veteran presence in a young backfield that was without Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd for much of the season. The 10-year veteran spent last season with the Bills, the team that he started his career with in 2005 as an undrafted free agent.
More: For more on the Bills, go to Buffalo Rumblings For more on the Browns, go to Dawgs By Nature
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