Badgers fans wish Jim Leonhard the best
Jim Leonhard united the Wisconsin Badgers program this season. He was named the interim head coach after Paul Chryst was fired midseason. The former Badgers standout player led the team from a losing record to a bowl game as the players rallied around his leadership. Leonhard announced on social media he would not be back at Wisconsin next season. Badgers fans reacted to the news on Twitter.
Leonhard was expected to be offered the head coaching position after the regular season. Wisconsin made a surprising but promising hire by bringing in Luke Fickell from Cincinnati. Reports came out this past weekend that Leonhard had decided to stay with the Badgers for next season. However, Tuesday night, Leonhard officially stated he would remain with the Badgers through their game against Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
Fans voiced their opinions on social media
Leonhard means a lot to the Wisconsin community. The Wisconsin native played college for the Badgers during the 2001-04 seasons. He started 73 games in the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Leonhard has been with the Badgers as a coach since the 2016 season. Badgers fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts on Leonhard leaving the Badgers program.
On Wisconsin! Remember fans our University motto is “Forward” we should all support Coach in this effort. Opportunity provides growth and so does adversity.
Thanks Coach for being a prime example of Wisconsin values on the field and off!
— David Janczak (@JDBadger) December 7, 2022
They did you dirty.
— Danny (@TheRealDannyMcM) December 7, 2022
I’m sure fickle didn’t want him there and will bring in his own coordinators! As a wisconsin fan and native to Madison, WI I’m so ashamed at how they did @jimleonhard
— Bradley Larson (@bradl1989) December 7, 2022
Jim Leonhard made me feel like a 12 year old kid like I was when I started watching the Badgers in 1996. Seeing his departure hurts. He's not just a coach, he's someone in my age group who is like a friend you've never met. All I can say is, thank you @jimleonhard.
— Ryan🦌🏀 (@R_Lebica) December 7, 2022
I love coach Leonard to but he was never promised the head coaching job. I wish people would give coach Fickell a chance there is a reason most say he was a homrun hire for the Badgers.
— mike grenawalt (@grenawalt_mike) December 7, 2022
Thank you Coach @jimleonhard for all that you have done for the Wisconsin Football program.
— Mark Noll🏀 (@CoachMarkNoll) December 7, 2022
You were a special player for UW and you became a great coach for UW. Oh how we will miss you! Best of luck to you and your family.
— Paula McAllister (@mrsmcal) December 7, 2022
Looking forward to what's next in your amazing career!
— Brian Jenkins (@BJenkinsDC) December 7, 2022
Good luck Coach!! Family comes first enjoy it!! Hopefully we will still see you in Wisconsin every fall yet in Green and Gold!!
— Chad Boehnlein (@chad_boehnlein) December 7, 2022
HUGE loss for the Badgers. The defense may be good in the future, but never the same as you made it. Best wishes moving forward. Im sure brighter days are ahead soon for you, Coach. Thank you for everything!
— Allan Amrein (@AmreinAllan) December 7, 2022
