billsbackto81 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Well if anything he knows what a pressure type defense looks like. 1 1 Quote
Brianmoorman4jesus Posted January 27 Posted January 27 I like the idea of the Broncos defensive mindset. I’m good with this. 2 Quote
Real McCoy Posted January 27 Posted January 27 2 minutes ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said: Unsure if I’d be happy or not, but what is this obsession with bringing back former players? Webb for OC incoming too. Quote
NickelCity Posted January 27 Posted January 27 "is expected to be a leading candidate" is pretty dang meaningless 2 1 Quote
AlCowlingsTaxiService Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Just now, JoeF said: Not just a former player ... but a really good defensive mind. Jim Leonhard is a respected defensive coach, currently serving as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator for the Denver Broncos as of 2025. Renowned for a highly successful six-year tenure as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin (2017–2022) and an interim head coach role, he also held roles at Illinois (2023) following a 10-year NFL playing career. I’ll accept that, just hadn’t heard his name in a while and didn’t know what he was up to 1 Quote
streetkings01 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 1 minute ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said: Unsure if I’d be happy or not, but what is this obsession with bringing back former players? He’s more than a former player……he’s a young coach with new ideas. He did a great job with the Wisconsin defense and that Broncos secondary. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the DC for the Badgers. 2 Quote
Low Positive Posted January 27 Posted January 27 This may be true, but I love Schefter's weesel words there. "Is expected to." What does that mean? Expected by whom? 1 Quote
Yobogoya! Posted January 27 Posted January 27 This guy had zero physical gifts to help him and still was a very productive DB in the league for years on nothing but his instincts and football IQ. He could very well be a strong DC. Plus he helped shut down our vaunted WR core in the playoffs! 2 1 1 Quote
TheyCallMeAndy Posted January 27 Posted January 27 He'll have 3 INT on his way to interview 8 1 Quote
HappyDays Posted January 27 Author Posted January 27 Hot take - this hire might be more important than the head coach. Same exact offense we've had in any of the past 5 years but with an average or better playoff defense, and we would have multiple Super Bowls by now. If Leonhard is as good as people think nothing else really matters. 17 10 3 3 Quote
Alphadawg7 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 I want Schwartz as my top choice, but I would be good with this hire too 3 Quote
Pre1236 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 2 minutes ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said: Too many injuries equals the possibility of coach suiting up. Unless the coach is Ernie Pantusso. Hey, he never lost the ability to get hit by a pitch! 1 1 Quote
MikePJ76 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 1 minute ago, Low Positive said: This may be true, but I love Schefter's weesel words there. "Is expected to." What does that mean? Expected by whom? it means he is their guy. But the financials have to be presented and agreed to. Leonhard has to know if he can hire his own staff or how that will work with the guys under contract. 1 Quote
AlCowlingsTaxiService Posted January 27 Posted January 27 1 minute ago, streetkings01 said: He’s more than a former player……he’s a young coach with new ideas. He did a great job with the Wisconsin defense and that Broncos secondary. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the DC for the Badgers. Again, thanks. Didn’t know what he was doing since retiring. Liked him @s a player, he was the type that, while not blessed with abundant physical skills, was an extremely smart player and they tend to be good coaches 3 Quote
SoonerBillsFan Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Key Elements of Leonhard's Scheme: Pressure System: Relies heavily on simulated pressures (Creepers and Sims), where a defender, often a linebacker or safety, shows blitz before dropping into coverage, while four rushers attack from unexpected angles. Coverage: Primarily operates in Middle of Field Closed (MOFC) (Cover 1 and Cover 3), utilizing single-high safety looks to support the run, but mixes in 2-high safety looks to disguise coverage. Run Defense: Focuses on having "every gap covered" with a two-gap nose tackle and athletic, disciplined linebackers. Philosophy: Known for being adaptable to personnel, emphasizing player intelligence, pre-snap film study, and creating confusion for the opposing quarterback without always needing to blitz 6+ players. Fronts: Utilizes a 3-4 base but frequently shifts to 5-man fronts or 4-down "Peso" (nickel/dime) packages to match modern spread offenses . Leonhard's defenses consistently ranked among the nation's best at Wisconsin, specifically in total defense, rushing defense, and scoring defense. 1 3 Quote
LetsGoRed Posted January 27 Posted January 27 2 minutes ago, HappyDays said: Hot take - this hire might be more important than the head coach. Same exact offense we've had in any of the past 5 years but with an average or better playoff defense, and we would have multiple Super Bowls by now. If Leonhard is as good as people think nothing else really matters. I don't think that's controversial at all. I think the Brady hire doesn't move the needle at all, but the DC absolutely can. 1 Quote
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