Could Jim Leonhard’s Move to the Bills Spark a Defensive Revolution?

Oh, what a whirlwind in the NFL coaching carousel we’ve got swirling here! The Buffalo Bills, fresh off elevating Joe Brady to the helm as head coach, are setting their sights on Denver Broncos’ assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard. According to the always well-connected Adam Schefter, Leonhard isn’t just a contender—he’s the frontrunner to take over as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator. Now, considering the Bills’ defensive woes against the run last season, this move could be a game-changer. Jim’s journey from Broncos’ defensive backs coach in 2024 to assistant head coach signals he’s ready to lead—finally, the chance to call the defensive shots in the NFL spotlight. And let’s not overlook the ripple effect this hire will have on the Broncos’ staff as they scramble to fill the vacuum Leonhard leaves behind. It’s not just Broncos coaches making waves, either; Davis Webb is turning heads as a strong candidate for the Raiders’ top gig. The NFL coaching saga continues to unfold with intrigue and promise, and I can’t wait to see how this chess match plays out. LEARN MORE

According to ESPN’s lead NFL insider, Adam Schefter, Denver Broncos assistant head coach/defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to be the leading candidate to be the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator.

The Bills promoted Joe Brady to head coach earlier today, and it appears he wants to add Leonhard to his staff to be his defensive coordinator in Buffalo.

Sources: Broncos defensive pass coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate to become the next defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. pic.twitter.com/LuWD0G4u3a

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 27, 2026

Leonhard has been a popular defensive coordinator candidate during this coaching cycle. He had interviews and/or reported interest from the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, and others. Now, he is expected to land with the Bills and look to improve their defense, which struggled badly against the run this past season.

When Vance Joseph was viewed as a top head coaching candidate, many viewed Leonhard as the likely in-house replacement for him. However, all signs right now point to Joseph staying with the Broncos, which allowed Leonhard, an up-and-coming coach, to explore his options and get the opportunity to lead an NFL defense.

Leonhard joined the Broncos back in 2024 as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. He quickly impressed the Broncos and was elevated to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator this past season. The success of the Broncos’ defense elevated his stock even more, and now Leonhard is expected to be the next Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator.

This will leave a bit of a hole in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s coaching staff. Now, the Broncos will need to find a replacement for Leonhard, who was an assistant head coach and their defensive pass game coordinator. The Broncos have one of the better secondaries in the NFL, so it should be an intriguing job for available candidates.

Leonhard may not be the only Broncos coach receiving a job elsewhere. Offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb is considered a strong candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching job. He met with the team last night, and they should be nearing an announcement on their head coaching vacancy sooner rather than later.