Jim Leonhard Emerges As Leading Candidate For Bills Defensive Coordinator Position

Bills Target Broncos Assistant for Defensive Coordinator Role

Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate to become the next defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills , according to reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The development comes as the Bills promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach on Tuesday following the dismissal of Sean McDermott. The Bills have to comply with the Rooney Rule before hiring Leonhard.

Leonhard currently serves as Denver Broncos assistant head coach/defensive pass game coordinator . Leonhard joined the Broncos back in 2024 as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. He quickly impressed the Broncos and was elevated to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator this past season.

The Bills' defensive coordinator search has drawn multiple candidates. Leonhard has been a popular defensive coordinator candidate during this coaching cycle. He had interviews and/or reported interest from the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, and others.

Leonhard has a prior connection to Buffalo. Leonhard played 10 years in the NFL, beginning his career as an undrafted free agent with the Bills.

He played for multiple franchises following his first stint in Buffalo, then returned in 2013. During his Buffalo tenure, in four seasons with the Bills, he recorded 118 tackles, nine pass defenses, and six interceptions.

Prior to his NFL coaching career, Leonhard served in college coaching roles. During the 2022 season, the Wisconsin Badgers fired head coach Paul Chryst and named Leonhard, who was the defensive coordinator at the time, as the interim head coach.

Leonhard spent one year with Illinois, before joining Sean Payton and Vance Joseph with Denver in 2024.

The coaching staff construction is underway for Brady, who signed a five-year contract with Buffalo. Brady has served as Buffalo's offensive coordinator the past two years. He was the interim offensive coordinator for the final nine games of the 2023 season, including the playoffs.

Buffalo's season ended with a 30-33 divisional round loss to Denver, according to the provided team data. The Bills won their wild card game 27-24 at Jacksonville before falling to the Broncos.