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Jim Leonhard reportedly no longer a candidate for Eagles’ DC job, could take year off from coaching
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Jim Leonhard is reportedly no longer a candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator position.
That’s according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who notes that the decision to not move forward as a candidate was mutual. Fowler also reports that Leonhard has considered taking the year off from coaching to potentially undergo hip surgery.
It’s unclear if Leonhard will continue to pursue defensive coordinator vacancies this offseason or if he will go forward with his plan to take the year off.
The #Eagles and Jim Leonhard mutually decided they would not move forward with his DC candidacy, per league sources. Leonhard had planned to undergo hip surgery and sit out coaching for a year, but when Eagles job opened, both sides had interest in discussing the position, which…
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 22, 2023
Leonhard is considered to be one of the top defensive minds in the game. He was Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator from 2017-22. He also served as the Badgers’ interim head coach last season.
A Wisconsin alum, Leonhard opted to part ways with the program earlier this offseason. He has never coached at a program other than Wisconsin.
It’s possible his future lies in the NFL. Leonhard had a length pro career after leaving Wisconsin after the 2004 season. He played for 6 franchises from 2005-2014. He began his coaching career in 2016 as the defensive backs coach for the Badgers.
As a player, Leonhard was a 3-time All-American and a 3-time 1st team All-Big Ten selection.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.