Jim Leonhard Emerges as Top NFL Coaching Candidate Amid Broncos and Cowboys Openings

Broncos assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard is quickly emerging as one of the NFL’s most sought-after coaching candidates this offseason. With multiple teams searching for defensive leadership, Leonhard’s combination of NFL playing experience and proven success at the collegiate level has put him in the spotlight as a potential head coach or defensive coordinator.

Currently, Leonhard is among the frontrunners to replace Vance Joseph in higher-level coaching positions. Joseph, who recently interviewed for several opportunities, remains a viable candidate for other head coaching openings, but Leonhard’s trajectory suggests he could have several options on the table this offseason.

Interviewing with the Dallas Cowboys

The former Broncos defensive coordinator and interim head coach at Wisconsin has received permission to interview for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator vacancy. This opportunity arose after Dallas dismissed Matt Eberflus, the former Chicago Bears head coach who led the Cowboys’ defense in 2025. The Cowboys finished last in scoring defense and 30th in total defense that year—their worst ranking in 12 seasons—prompting a front-office shakeup.

Leonhard is the fourth Broncos assistant to be considered for a higher role this week, joining the ranks of Vance Joseph, Davis Webb, and Darren Rizzi. His candidacy is particularly strong given his combination of NFL experience, success in college coaching, and leadership skills.

A Proven College Track Record

Leonhard’s reputation was built during his six-year stint as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, where his units consistently ranked among the nation’s best. His defenses led the FBS in total defense in both 2017 and 2021 and finished in the top 10 nationally on two other occasions.

In 2022, Leonhard stepped into the role of interim head coach for the Badgers following the midseason dismissal of Paul Chryst. Over seven games, Wisconsin went 4-3 under his leadership. While the school ultimately hired Luke Fickell as the permanent head coach, Leonhard’s performance further demonstrated his ability to lead a team in high-pressure situations.

After his time at Wisconsin, Leonhard took a brief role as a senior analyst at Illinois while recovering from hip replacement surgery. This period of reflection and rehabilitation preceded his move to the NFL in 2024, when the Denver Broncos hired him as a secondary coach. Sean Payton had reportedly been interested in adding Leonhard to his staff in 2023, but Leonhard opted to take the extra year to focus on recovery and preparation.

NFL Experience and Connections

Leonhard’s NFL credentials extend beyond his coaching résumé. He enjoyed a 10-season career as an NFL player, including a 2012 campaign with the Broncos. He also spent three seasons with the New York Jets from 2009 to 2011, where he worked under offensive coordinator Schottenheimer, a connection that broadened his understanding of both sides of the ball.

This combination of playing and coaching experience, particularly his track record in the Big Ten, has made Leonhard a name that NFL executives have long respected. Even before joining the Broncos, he had interviewed for the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator position following the 2020 season. While he was offered the job, Leonhard chose to remain at Wisconsin, demonstrating a careful, deliberate approach to his career progression.

Rising Through the Coaching Ranks

Leonhard’s rise to calling an NFL defense has often been described as a matter of “when,” rather than “if.” His path demonstrates a steady accumulation of experience: from a successful collegiate defensive coordinator to interim head coach, and now to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator in the NFL.

With the Broncos, Leonhard has been instrumental in coordinating the secondary and improving the pass defense. His ability to translate complex schemes into actionable results has earned him recognition around the league. Combined with his teaching experience at Wisconsin, Leonhard is viewed as a coach capable of both player development and tactical innovation.

Why Leonhard Is a Hot Commodity

The combination of NFL experience, college success, and leadership skills makes Leonhard a compelling candidate for any team seeking to strengthen its defense. For the Cowboys, struggling with one of the league’s weakest defensive units in 2025, Leonhard represents a potential immediate upgrade. For other NFL teams, he provides a blend of tactical knowledge and player development acumen that is rare among young coaches.

His career path suggests that he is not only ready for a defensive coordinator role but could also thrive as a head coach in the future. Teams in need of leadership in their secondary, or a coach who can instill discipline and structure in complex defensive schemes, will likely prioritize Leonhard in upcoming interviews.

Looking Ahead

As NFL teams prepare for the offseason, Jim Leonhard stands out as one of the most versatile and accomplished coaching candidates available. Whether he ends up with the Cowboys or another franchise seeking a defensive overhaul, his trajectory points toward continued opportunities for advancement.

With multiple Broncos assistants now interviewing for elevated roles, the league could see a domino effect of coaching changes. Leonhard, with his experience bridging the gap between college success and NFL readiness, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this window of opportunity.

For fans and front offices alike, the coming weeks will be fascinating to watch as Leonhard evaluates options and teams vie for a coach capable of elevating their defense to elite levels. His journey reflects the careful, strategic development that often defines the NFL’s most successful coaching careers.