The Denver Broncos are in the hunt for a defensive coordinator after losing Ejiro Evero to the Carolina Panthers and there have been several names floating around as candidates to take over the job. Could we add Jim Leonhard into the mix?
A current member of the Denver Broncos, cornerback Faion Hicks, is apparently in favour of the team hiring Leonhard as the defensive coordinator:
Come to Denver @jimleonhard 👀 https://t.co/20NUe35vPJ
— Faion Hicks (@Faion_Hicks) February 20, 2023
Leonhard was an undrafted safety out of Wisconsin in 2005. He signed with the Buffalo Bills and spent 2005-2007 there before moving on to the Ravens (2008), Jets (2009-11), Broncos (2012), Saints (2013–offseason/practice squad member only), returned to the Bills in 2013, and then finally with the Cleveland Browns in his final season in 2014.
As far as reporting goes, the Broncos are not currently looking at Leonhard. They appear to be zeroing in on someone like Rex Ryan and Vance Joseph, both of which have met with the team recently. Those two seem to be the top candidates to take over the position going forward and we should find out who gets the job soon.
While playing for Leonhard at Wisconsin, Hicks played in 39 games, recording 107 total tackles (85 solo), two tackles for loss, defended 16 passes and caught one interception.
If I were to guess, Hicks feels as if Leonhard could bring out the best in him after he spent his rookie season on the Broncos’ practice squad.
Some of the notable players Leonhard has had the chance of coaching at Wisconsin are Leo Chenal, current Broncos defensive lineman Matt Henningsen, now-Saints linebacker Zach Baun, and current Wisconsin linebacker Nick Herbig (who has increased his sack total in each of the last three seasons).
I’m not so sure that Leonhard is going to actually be in consideration for the Broncos, whether a defensive coordinator or a potential replacement if Christian Parker leaves, but it’s interesting to see a former player of Leonhard’s try and recruit him.