We want more, we want better and that’s my goal, to help get us in that direction in a unique time. Jim Leonhard would have preferred much different circumstances, but the former Wisconsin safety and NFL veteran has been given the opportunity to lead his alma mater’s football program. “This place means a ton to myself and it means so much to everyone who is committed to being here with the athletic department, the players, the faculty and the coaching staff. Jim Leonhard - Wisconsin (DB) Every Sports Reference Social Media Account. With that being said, (it’s a) dream for myself coming out of that nightmare and I want to respect (Chryst) and his family in all ways,” Leonhard said. The Badgers are 0-1 in division games and have seven games remaining in the regular season. Wisconsin is about to hit the meat of its West Division schedule in the Big Ten. McIntosh said he plans to have a national search for a coach before making a permanent hire, but Leonhard has plenty of time to prove he is the right person for the job. “Obviously I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure the defensive plan is exactly where it needs to be for this week whether I’m calling it or handing off the responsibilities on game day. “We’re working through a lot of possible situations,” Leonhard said. Leonhard was an All-American safety at UW under Barry Alvarez. We’re fortunate to have Jimmy on staff (and) that we’re in a position that we can trust this level of responsibility an leadership to someone like Jimmy.” Jim Leonhard handled the transition from Wisconsin assistant to interim head coach - and his players' emotions - with aplomb. Clearly his ability to lead and his ability to teach. “Obviously the fit Jim brings to this program, his competitiveness, his work ethic. “I don’t know if I can’t say anything about Jim that hasn’t already been well documented throughout the years,” McIntosh said. Jim Leonhard, Keith Brooking could be cut by Broncos The Denver Broncos signed veterans Jim Leonhard and Keith Brooking a few weeks ago with the idea of putting them on their 53-man roster. Leonard’s arrival on campus came two years after UW Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh wrapped up his All-American career with the Badgers. “That is why I haven’t left and that is the mission I want to continue forward with our guys.” “I feel like I can take this opportunity and help this place grow and that is why I came back a number of years ago,” he said. Last year, the Green Bay Packers approached him about its defensive coordinator job. He turned down several opportunities to leave UW over the years. When he was done, he was three-time All-American who would go on to play 10 seasons in the NFL despite being an undrafted player.Īt Wisconsin, his defenses have ranked in the top five of scoring and total defense five times in the five-plus seasons he has served as defensive coordinator. Leonhard’s rise to the interim head coaching role started 21 years ago when he arrived on campus as a walk-on from Flambeau.
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