The Buffalo Bills have landed their new defensive coordinator, hiring Denver Broncos secondary coach and passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Leonhard becomes the second former Broncos assistant to join new Bills head coach Joe Brady’s staff this week, following the hiring of Pete Carmichael as offensive coordinator.
Denver marked Leonhard’s first NFL coaching stop after a long and varied football résumé. A former Wisconsin standout, Leonhard carved out a 10-year NFL career as a safety despite going undrafted in 2005. His professional journey began in Buffalo, where he spent his first three seasons and later returned in 2013, recording a career-high four interceptions. He transitioned into coaching in 2016 at Wisconsin, eventually serving as the Badgers’ interim head coach in 2022.
With the Broncos, Leonhard played a key role in shaping one of the league’s stronger secondaries. That unit’s success included a Defensive Player of the Year season by cornerback Pat Surtain II in 2024, highlighting Leonhard’s impact on player development and scheme.
Leonhard is widely regarded as a detail-oriented teacher who emphasizes versatility and communication in the defensive backfield, principles shaped by his own playing career. His background and approach gives Buffalo a coordinator with deep ties to the organization and a modern defensive vision as the Bills continue reshaping their coaching staff under Brady.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].