Jim Leonhard is Wisconsin's new interim head football coach after Paul Chryst was fired. Here's what you should know about him.
Jim Leonhard has been named Wisconsin's interim football coach. Leonhard is replacing Paul Chryst, who was fired Sunday.
Here's what you should know about Leonhard.
How old is Jim Leonhard?
He will be 40 on Oct. 27.
Has Leonhard held other coaching jobs prior to Wisconsin?
Leonhard joined the defensive staff at Wisconsin in 2016 as defensive backs coach. He became the defensive coordinator in 2017 after Dave Aranda left UW for the same job at LSU.
In his first season as defensive coordinator, Leonhard was a finalist for the Broyles Award which goes to the top assistant coach in college football.
In 2019, Leonhard’s Badgers defense posted four shutouts and broke the school record for sacks, finishing with 51.
Leonhard was a top candidate to replace Dom Capers as Packers defensive coordinator in the winter of 2021, but he remained at Wisconsin.
From 2017-21, the Badgers finished in the top five nationally in total defense under Leonhard's direction.
Did Leonhard also play at Wisconsin and what were his stats?
Yes. In his sophomore season in 2002, Leonhard, then a walk-on 5-8 safety, led the nation with 11 interceptions (matching a Big Ten record). He finished tied for the most interceptions at Wisconsin with 21 in 39 games, fourth most in NCAA history. He was also a three-time, first-team All-American.
How many teams did Leonhard play for in the NFL?
Despite being undrafted in 2005, Leonhard played for six different teams over 10 seasons in the NFL. He played for the Bills twice, Ravens, Jets, Broncos, Saints and Browns.
Leonhard had his best NFL season with the New York Jets
His best season was with the New York Jets in 2009. He started all 16 games and finished with 66 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and six passes defended. In 2010, Leonhard played 13 games for the Jets before breaking his fibula. The Jets reached the AFC championship game that season.
He had four of his 14 career interceptions in his return to Buffalo in 2013.
Where did Jim Leonhard attend high school?
He was a four-year starter and two-time all-state selection as a safety at Flambeau High School in Tony, Wisconsin. Leonhard also played quarterback.
Who is Leonhard's wife, family?
Leonhard and his wife Kate have three sons.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jim Leonhard is Wisconsin Badgers football team's interim head coach
