Jim Leonhard will now have to focus on his new role as Wisconsin’s interim HC. He talked about adjusting to his new role in a recent press conference.

Leonhard got his first coaching job from Paul Chryst in 2016. Leonhard joined Chryst’s staff as the defensive backs coach, before getting promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017. The former Wisconsin DC mentioned how Chryst mentored him.

“I had a long relationship with Coach Chryst as a player, mentored me as I got into coaching,” said Leonhard. “This man hired me with zero coaching experience and named me his coordinator a year later.”

At the end of the day, Leonhard simply needs to move forward and do good by his longtime friend and mentor. Leonhard’s first test as interim HC will be against Northwestern on Oct. 8.

“Very emotional day for myself,” said Leonhard. “With that being said, it’s a dream for myself coming out of that nightmare. I want to respect him and his family in all ways. This place means a ton to myself, and it means so much to everyone who’s committed to be here.”