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Bret Bielema, Illinois HC, details Jim Leonhard’s future role with the Illini
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Bret Bielema discussed the future role of newly-hired Jim Leonard at the podium from B1G Media Days Wednesday morning.
Leonhard, who recently served as defensive coordinator and interim head coach at Wisconsin, was welcomed to the Illini staff as a Senior Football Analyst on Tuesday. According to Bielema, Leonhard will work in the office during weekdays and handle responsibilities that affect all 3 phases of the game.
Bielema also noted that Leonhard will not be with the team during gamedays:
#illini Bret Bielema on Jim Leonhard: “He’ll handle responsibilities that really touch all three phases of the game. …I’m going to use him in all three phases.”
He won’t be with us on gamedays. Will be in office during week and with family on weekends.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) July 26, 2023
Here’s more from Bielema on Leonhard’s addition:
Bret Bielema’s known new @IlliniFootball senior analyst @jimleonhard a long time.
The head coach shares what he likes about his former star DB and how he’ll help the Illini. #B1GMediaDays pic.twitter.com/NYGSfHkweC
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 26, 2023
Illinois football had a good season in 2022, one that will be tough to match in 2023 missing Chase Brown and Tommy DeVito on offense. However, the Illin landed former Ole Miss QB Luke Altmyer and should retain similar production at the position moving forward.
Illinois opens its season on Sept. 2 against Toledo.
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.