Ad Disclosure
Jim Leonard addresses readiness for a full-time head coaching job while handling Wisconsin’s interim duties
Published:
Jim Leonhard sounds like he’s ready. The interim Wisconsin head coach expressed some confidence in his capability for a full-time role as the Badgers prepare to come off a Week 9 bye.
#Badgers Jim Leonhard: "I know I’m capable. It’s been really exciting for me to see the response of the coaches, of the players. It has been exciting to see certain little changes you’ve made and the buy-in of the messaging and the play on the field."
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 31, 2022
Leonhard replaced longtime head coach Paul Chryst. The former was fired after Wisconsin’s 2-3 start. Chryst went 93-67 (.720) in eight seasons in Madison.
Chryst won 10 or more games in four of those years, but none since 2019. Now, Leonhard is keeping Wisconsin as a prominent team in the B1G West.
More from #Badgers Jim Leonhard: "It is exciting for me to see of all of that, because it obviously could have went a different direction. I know I’m capable of it and I would be excited for the opportunity." https://t.co/oYleNtxEna
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 31, 2022
The 40-year-old coach played at Wisconsin from 2001-05. Leonhard, who walked on to the program, was a three-time All-American while collecting 21 interceptions in a Badgers uniform. He went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.
Leonhard has four more regular season games to make his case. Wisconsin faces off against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium on Nov. 5. Let’s see if he can make the choice easier for the Wisconsin brass.