BREAKING: Jim Leonhard Accepts Next Coaching Job

Jim Leonhard makes a tough decision

Many Wisconsin Badgers fans and analysts thought interim head coach Jim Leonhard would be given the permanent job at his former school. On Sunday, the Badgers named Luke Fickell the head coach. There was speculation Leonhard could stay with the program. Leonhard was also linked to several other coaching destinations.

According to multiple reports, Leonhard made his decision Saturday. It’s an important time for him to make the decision, as recruits and possible transfers to and from Madison hang in the balance.

Per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Leonhard will stay with the Badgers program.

Jim Leonhard, who played four seasons at UW and has been a member of the coaching staff for seven seasons, has decided his heart remains in Madison. https://t.co/Raw1l1dsbT

— JSOnline – Badgers (@js_badgers) December 3, 2022

Per the report, it’s unclear what Jim Leonhard’s new duties will be, but it’s speculated he’ll be the defensive coordinator. That could make things interesting with Fickell’s former defensive coordinator:

It is unclear whether Mike Tressel, who was Fickell’s defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Cincinnati, will be a co-coordinator with Leonhard. Tressel’s hire hasn’t been announced, but he was on the road recruiting for UW on Friday.

Leonhard helped to turn this Badgers season around as the team finished with a 6-6 regular season record. The team became bowl eligible under Leonhard following Paul Chryst’s firing. Many players wanted Leonhard to stay as the program’s head coach. Keeping Leonhard on the staff should help recruit and keep current players on the roster happy.