The Buffalo Bills made an intriguing hire for a defensive coordinator in the 2026 offseason when head coach Joe Brady chose former Denver Broncos defensive assistant and former Wisconsin Badger defensive coordinator/interim head coach Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard also played for the Buffalo Bills from 2005-2007, and in 2013, while also playing for Rex Ryan with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 and again with Ryan and the New York Jets from 2009-2011. He also had one stint with the Denver Broncos in 2012, and with then-head coach Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints in 2013, and then followed Mike Pettine to the Cleveland Browns in 2014.
He will be bringing in an aggressive 3-4 base defense that relies on heavy pressures, takeaways, and sacks on the quarterback. Leonhard is familiar with running this type of defense, dating back to his playing days under aggressive, defensive-minded coaches such as Rex Ryan, Dennis Allen, Rob Ryan, and Mike Pettine.
With all the excitement and hope for a top-tier defense in the NFL in 2026, there's also the risk of losing Leonhard to a head-coaching position with another NFL team in 2027. There may be some teams this year who will start looking as soon as they can.
Three teams that may want to poach Leonard sooner rather than later
1.) New York Jets
As much as the Jets hoped that when Aaron Glenn took over as the team's new head coach last year, things would change, but unfortunately, it led to an abysmal 3-14 record. The one silver lining, though, is that Glenn did not get fired after Year 1.
Still, whatever the Jets do will never make the loyal Jets fans in New York happy, and if they do not improve their record tremendously, Glenn could be out of New York and Leonhard can earn his first head-coaching gig with another former team he played for.
He's a good fit in that he's a young rising star in the coaching world, and his aggressive defensive style is the same one Jets fans remember him playing under Ryan. Also, he could inherit a team that might be picking high enough to select their next young quarterback in 2027, and he and whoever they pick could start building the marriage right away.
2.) Kansas City Chiefs
As much as Bills Mafia would dread a scenario where Leonhard is working with Patrick Mahomes in his first head coaching gig, it makes all the sense in the world for his career should Andy Reid potentially step away from coaching sooner than later.
This might be a massive bold take, but if Mike Tomlin can step down from the Pittsburgh Steelers, then anything could happen. Then the Bills-Chiefs rivalry could once again have a major storyline, as Brady and Leonhard would be coaching against each other every season.
3.) Washington Commanders
The Commanders job would be an out-of-the-box position for a young coach in Leonhard, but, being a young mind, he could bring fresh leadership and positive energy. It remains unclear how third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels will fare in his recovery from dislocating his left elbow, leaving fans cautious about the team's immediate future.
The good news is that he is a right-hand thrower, and to reduce his wear and tear, Quinn will have him play more under center to establish a running game and a more balanced attack.
If Quinn doesn't get it done this year, could the Commanders make the bold move and pursue Leonhard as their next head coach? Only time will tell.
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