Potential landing spots for ‘blindsided’ Wisconsin defensive coordinator
Wisconsin's surprising hire of Luke Fickell as head football coach "blindsided" Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, per Rivals Wisconsin recruiting editor Jon McNamara. Now the future of the longtime Wisconsin coach is subject of speculation.
Given Leonhard's ties to the state and success at Wisconsin—four top 10 defenses in five years—influential former Wisconsin State Journal columnist Tom Oates suggested the Packers as a landing spot.
The 3-8 Packers defense ranks 24thin total yards allowed and 27th in points allowed. Given Leonhard’s pedigree, he would almost certainly elevate Green Bay's defense if given the chance.
Leonhard reportedly was a finalist for the open Packers defensive coordinator position in 2021.
Nebraska media have mentioned the Cornhuskers, Wisconsin's Big Ten West rival, as a landing spot. The school recently named Matt Rhule as head coach.
Nebraska finished the 2022 season with 100th-rated total defense and 79th-ranked scoring defense. In the previous five seasons, the Huskers did not record a top 25 finish in either category.
In September, Leonhard addressed speculation about his interest in the Nebraska head coaching position after the firing of Scott Frost.
"I am not saying this is the place I'll be for the rest of my life, but I love this place," he said, per Badger247.
Some saw Leonhard’s elevation from interim Wisconsin head coach to full-time head coach as nearly inevitable.
Yahoo Sports writer Sam Cooper called Leonhard the favorite for the job on Oct. 3—the day following the firing of Paul Chryst.
Fickell will meet with Leonhard for the second time Wednesday before making a decision on whether to retain him.
Former Wisconsin star J.J. Watt left no doubt how he feels about Leonhard.
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