Setting a vision for 2026

While Leonhard was plenty complimentary of Buffalo’s existing personnel, he also emphasized that different types and styles of players are needed throughout the draft and free agency. The DC sat down with Bills general manager Brandon Beane and the scouting department during the week, outlining his plan to reshape the defense.

“A lot of big conversations with the scouting staff, with Brandon, and just what my vision is and how I think we’re going to be there,” he said.

During that meeting, Leonhard expressed that he understands it will be a transition for the scouting department as it works to identify possible fits.

“Trying to communicate as clearly as I could the things that I look for, the things that I value, the things that are kind of no-goes for me. I had a really good opportunity yesterday to just kind of throw a lot of things out there and get questions and try to bounce it as many places as we could, just to create as much clarity for that scouting staff,” he added.

Bills head coach Joe Brady said Leonhard is a coach he has been “following for years” and he’s excited to bring someone in who is as passionate about the game as he is. Leonhard praised Brady for his energy and direction for the team.

“He’s very passionate about this place and you don’t have to talk to him very long for that to come across,” Leonhard said of Brady. “Then, just the communication, the openness that he’s had with me on what he’s trying to do, how he’s trying to build this right, the people he’s trying to get in the building, the culture of the team.”

Leonhard is also looking forward to calling plays for the first time as an NFL coach. He has play-calling experience from his time at the University of Wisconsin, but he is eager to begin that role in the pros.

“The other exciting piece about talking with Joe Brady is the autonomy he’s giving to me. Get the right people in the building as far as coaches and let’s create a defense that we can all be proud of,” he said. “Let’s create a defense that the NFL doesn’t want to play against.”