He once helped the New York Jets reach back-to-back AFC championship games, and 16 years later, he emerged as the fanbase’s preferred candidate to coach the team’s defense.
Now, Jets fans will have to watch him call plays on the opposing sideline twice a year.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jim Leonhard is expected to be named the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills.
ESPN sources: the Buffalo Bills are expected to hire Broncos defensive passing game coordinator and assistant HC Jim Leonhard as their defensive coordinator. Leonhard visited the Chargers and Ravens, but now will be in charge of the Bills’ defense. pic.twitter.com/AU39lgmSzx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2026
Leonhard was one of the eight first-round candidates who had a virtual interview with the Jets for their defensive coordinator vacancy. A second interview with Leonhard never occurred. The only candidates to have a known second interview with New York were Wink Martindale and Chris Harris.
The Jets wound up hiring former Miami Dolphins secondary coach and pass-game coordinator Brian Duker, a late addition to the search who was not included among the eight initial candidates. Duker completed a virtual interview with the Jets on Tuesday and was hired on Wednesday.
With the Jets pivoting from their initial list of candidates, Leonhard moved on to take interviews with the Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens. He ultimately settled on the Bills, who will offer him play-calling responsibilities under new head coach Joe Brady. This is a luxury he seemingly would not have received in New York, where head coach Aaron Glenn is widely expected to be taking over play-calling duties in 2026.
Leonhard, who played safety for the Jets from 2009-11, was one of the most coveted defensive coaches in this year’s cycle. He made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2017-22. Over the last two seasons, Leonhard strengthened his resume as the Denver Broncos’ defensive pass-game coordinator, helping the Broncos build one of the league’s best defenses. He also served as the team’s assistant head coach under Sean Payton in 2025.