Wisconsin football legend Jim Leonhard is taking a significant step forward in his professional coaching journey, as he is scheduled to interview Saturday for the vacant defensive coordinator position with the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple reports.

The interview places Leonhard firmly in the spotlight as the Cowboys continue their search for a defensive leader capable of maintaining the unit’s identity while elevating performance in critical postseason moments.

Leonhard is reportedly among the first three candidates invited to interview for the role, highlighting the urgency and importance Dallas has placed on filling the vacancy early in the offseason cycle.

Joining Leonhard in the initial interview group are Daronte Jones, currently the defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings, and Ephraim Banda, the safeties coach for the Cleveland Browns.

The diversity of the candidate pool reflects Dallas’ interest in different schematic philosophies, ranging from coverage-heavy systems to aggressive, pressure-oriented defensive approaches.

For Leonhard, the opportunity represents a potential career-defining leap, moving from an influential assistant role into one of the NFL’s most high-profile coordinator positions.

Currently, Leonhard is concluding his second season as a top defensive assistant with the Denver Broncos, where his impact has been felt both statistically and structurally across the defense.

He joined the Broncos organization in 2024 as the team’s defensive backs coach, bringing with him a reputation for teaching fundamentals, communication, and situational awareness.

Following a strong first season in Denver, Leonhard earned a promotion in 2025, becoming assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, a role that expanded his influence across the entire defensive game plan.

In that capacity, Leonhard has overseen a Broncos secondary that finished the regular season ranked seventh in the NFL in pass defense, allowing just 187.2 passing yards per game.

That achievement is particularly notable given the increasing emphasis on passing offenses across the league and the depth of quarterback talent in the AFC.

The secondary’s success has been a critical component of a Denver defense that ranked second overall in the NFL, surrendering only 278.2 total yards per game throughout the regular season.

Those numbers place the Broncos among the league’s elite defensive units, reflecting consistency, adaptability, and disciplined execution across all three levels.

League observers have frequently pointed to Leonhard’s fingerprints on Denver’s coverage disguises, communication adjustments, and situational play-calling in high-leverage moments.

The Broncos now enter the 2025 postseason as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, positioning them as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

They will host a Divisional Round playoff game next weekend at home, with their opponent still to be determined following the conclusion of Wild Card matchups.

Leonhard’s continued involvement in postseason preparation underscores the respect he commands within the Broncos organization, even as external interest in his services continues to grow.

While NFL success has elevated his profile, Leonhard’s rise at the professional level is hardly surprising to those familiar with his collegiate coaching résumé.

Before entering the NFL ranks, Leonhard built a formidable reputation as one of the most accomplished defensive minds in college football.

As defensive coordinator at University of Wisconsin–Madison, he orchestrated consistently elite defenses that became synonymous with discipline, physicality, and schematic clarity.

During his tenure leading the Badgers’ defense, Wisconsin regularly ranked among the nation’s top units in scoring defense, total defense, and efficiency metrics.

Leonhard’s ability to maximize talent, develop defensive backs, and implement adaptable game plans earned widespread respect across the college football landscape.

Many analysts regarded him as arguably the top defensive coordinator in the sport during his peak years with the Badgers.

That reputation was built not only on results but also on Leonhard’s teaching acumen and ability to adjust schemes based on personnel rather than forcing rigid systems.

A former All-American safety himself, Leonhard brought a player’s perspective to his coaching approach, emphasizing communication, leverage, and anticipation.

Those traits translated seamlessly to the professional game, where mental processing and situational awareness often separate good defenses from elite ones.

While speculation has occasionally surfaced regarding a potential return to the college ranks, particularly given his strong ties to Wisconsin, Leonhard’s trajectory increasingly points toward a long-term NFL future.

An NFL defensive coordinator position appears to be the logical next step in his career progression, offering greater strategic autonomy and national exposure.

The Dallas Cowboys vacancy presents a particularly compelling opportunity, given the franchise’s resources, expectations, and consistent contention for playoff berths.

Dallas’ defense has been among the league’s more talented units in recent seasons, but organizational leadership has emphasized the need for improved consistency in high-stakes games.

Bringing in a coordinator with Leonhard’s background could signal a philosophical shift toward versatility, situational adaptability, and coverage discipline.

His experience coordinating elite secondaries aligns well with the Cowboys’ roster construction, which places a premium on athletic defensive backs and hybrid defenders.

The interview process itself will be telling, as Dallas evaluates not only schematic knowledge but also leadership style and communication skills.

Leonhard’s calm demeanor and reputation as a detail-oriented teacher could resonate with a locker room that blends veteran leadership with emerging young talent.

Competition for the role remains strong, however, with Jones and Banda each offering distinct strengths and professional experiences.

Jones brings familiarity with modern coverage concepts developed in Minnesota, while Banda has earned praise for his work developing safeties in Cleveland.

Ultimately, the Cowboys’ decision will reflect their vision for the defense moving forward and how they plan to compete against the NFL’s evolving offensive landscape.

For Leonhard, simply being among the first candidates interviewed is a testament to how far his career has progressed in a relatively short time.

Whether or not he lands the Dallas position, his name is now firmly established among the NFL’s most respected defensive coaching candidates.

As the postseason unfolds and the coaching carousel accelerates, Leonhard’s future will remain a storyline worth monitoring closely.

If selected, the opportunity would place him at the center of one of the league’s most scrutinized franchises, with expectations matched only by visibility.

Regardless of the outcome, Jim Leonhard’s steady rise continues to reflect a career built on preparation, adaptability, and sustained defensive excellence.