Jim Leonhard

Jim Leonhard
Leonhard with the Denver Broncos in 2012
Buffalo Bills
TitleDefensive coordinator
Personal information
Born (1982-10-27) October 27, 1982
Ladysmith, Wisconsin, U.S.
Listed height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Listed weight188 lb (85 kg)
Career information
PositionFree safety (No. 42, 36, 35, 30)
High schoolFlambeau (Tony, Wisconsin)
CollegeWisconsin (2001–2004)
NFL draft2005: undrafted
Career history
Playing
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Coaching
  • Wisconsin (2016)
    Defensive backs coach
  • Wisconsin (2017–2022)
    Defensive coordinator & defensive backs coach
  • Wisconsin (2022)
    Interim head coach
  • Illinois (2023)
    Senior football analyst
  • Denver Broncos (2024)
    Defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator
  • Denver Broncos (2025)
    Assistant head coach & pass game coordinator
  • Buffalo Bills (2026–present)
    Defensive coordinator
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles431
Sacks4.5
Forced fumbles3
Interceptions14
Return yards1,277
Total touchdowns1
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Head coaching record
CareerNCAA: 4–3 (.571)
Coaching profile at Pro Football Reference

James Andrew Leonhard (born October 27, 1982) is an American professional football coach and former player who is the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played professionally in the NFL as a safety for 10 seasons.

Leonhard played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers and was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He also played in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Broncos, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.