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Bills Hire Jim Leonhard as Defensive Coordinator

The hire anchors Joe Brady’s swift staff rebuild to address Buffalo’s late-season defensive slide.

Overview

  • The Bills announced Leonhard’s appointment after multiple NFL reports said he and the team agreed to contract terms.
  • Leonhard, 43, steps into his first NFL defensive coordinator job after serving as Denver’s assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator.
  • Denver fielded one of the league’s top defenses during his two-year stint, culminating in an AFC Championship Game appearance this season.
  • He previously coordinated Wisconsin’s defense for six seasons, worked at Illinois, and played safety for Buffalo during parts of a 10-year NFL career.
  • Buffalo also hired Pete Carmichael Jr. as offensive coordinator, and head coach Joe Brady has confirmed he will call offensive plays in 2026.