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Wisconsin hires former defensive back Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator
Wisconsin found a famous alum to be its next defensive coordinator.
The school said Thursday that former defensive back Jim Leonhard would take over the defense. Leonhard spent the 2016 season as the Badgers’ defensive backs coach and will now replace Justin Wilcox as DC. Wilcox was hired as Cal’s coach in January.
“A year ago, if you were to ask me if this was going to happen, I’d probably would have laughed at you — not knowing exactly how it was going to go and how it would work out,” Leonhard told Wisconsin’s site.
“Paul brought me in and asked me if I was interested. He thought I was ready and he thought I could handle it. I was excited about the possibility and kind of wanted to see where I was at — if I really wanted to entertain the idea.”
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The in-house hire makes sense given Wisconsin’s defensive success in 2016. The Badgers were No. 7 in total defense, allowing less than 5 yards a play and just over 300 yards a game. Wisconsin shut down Western Michigan’s potent offense in the Cotton Bowl and stopped the Broncos’ undefeated season.
Leonhard joined Wisconsin’s staff before the 2016 season. He was a three-time All-American at Wisconsin and recorded 21 interceptions in his career. He was inducted into the Wisconsin hall of fame in 2015.
Leonhard signed with the Buffalo Bills before the 2005 season and subsequently played with the Ravens, Jets, Broncos, Bills (again) and Browns through 2014.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
