With the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, Joe Brady's staff is quickly taking shape. Wasting no time making his hires, and beating the market, a comination of experience and new approaches seems to be the core of this coaching team. Leonhard will be a first-time DC, but his experience tells us what works in his defense and what doesn't.
Defensive players to thrive under Jim Leonhard for Bills
Michael Hoecht - DE/OLB
Michael Hoecht's 2025 season was about as short as they come. His six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) saw him take his first snaps as a Buffalo Bill in Week 8, and by the end of Week 9 his season was over. The achilles injury had him finished before he was even started, despite a game and a half of incredible play.
His versatility is his top selling point; Hoecht lines up at defensive end, defensive tackle, and outside linebacker. His skillset is rangy and athletic, and he will be a notable addition to the 2026 rotation. That is, if Leonhard even institutes a rotation.
Hoecht is a perfect fit in part due to Leonhard's experience running a 3-4 defense, instead of McDermott's 4-3. We don't yet know his vision for this version of the Bills, but Joe Brady spoke about fitting the scheme to the players, not the other way around.
Based on that, we can assume there will be a change of philosophy, but not abandoning old principles entirely. Hoecht's versatility, and willingness to play a diverse and challenging set of positions, makes him a likely focal point on defense for Jim Leonhard to work with.
Dorian Williams - LB
Part of what worked for Jim Leonhard on the Denver Broncos was his reliance on linebackers to support other areas of the game. It creates a weakness in the very middle of the field, with his linebackers responsible for supporting other areas of the defense. Players who fly to the ball and excel in run support will quickly become favourites for Leonhard.
With Matt Milano's contract modification from last offseason, he now hits the market. Whether Jim Leonhard intends to run a base 4-3, 3-4, or live in nickel, Dorian Williams will be starting and excelling. There is room on the Buffalo Bills, and he's a perfect fit.
Cole Bishop - S
Under Jim Leonhard, safeties have always been a strength. Cole Bishop was a flawed rookie who made great strides as a sophomore starter. Though we don't yet know who is set to take the field by his side, one thing is certain- Bishop will be playing his best football in 2026. The new defensive coordinator's roots are in shutting down opposing passing games, and Bishop has been a threat in coverage. If nothing else, he will remain a threat.
Maxwell Hairston - CB
Hairston didn't see enough of the field in 2025, largely due to his injury suffered in training camp. When he did return, he had a learning curve that was set back about 4 months. On top of that, he was re-injured and missed the playoff run, making for a difficult-to-assess resume. On one hand, Maxwell Hairston showed the NFL his speed was useful in real-time. On the other, he showed spotty commitment to his zone, and occasional misunderstanding of his role.
Much of his errors can be chalked up to inexperience and a rookie season plagued by unavailability. Jim Leonhard has run both man and zone disciplines in his defenses, and Hairston still has the skillset to play either. His speed is a unique tool on the Bills defense, and Leonhard will make sure to include it in his arsenal for 2026.