Eagles Rumors: Jim Leonhard, PHI 'Mutually Decided' to End DC Candidacy

Jim Leonhard and the Philadelphia Eagles "mutually decided" to remove him from their list of defensive coordinator candidates, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported Monday that Leonhard had interviewed with the Eagles, who are looking to replace Jonathan Gannon.

The 40-year-old had been Wisconsin's defensive coordinator since 2017, and he also replaced Paul Chryst as the Badgers' interim head coach midway through this past season.

After the program hired Luke Fickell as its next head coach, Leonhard announced he was moving on. Per Fowler, he originally planned to have hip surgery and take a break from coaching but was intrigued by the opportunity Philadelphia presented him.

Because of his age, Leonhard's career probably won't be affected much if he goes the entire 2023 season without a job.

With him out of the running, the Eagles will move on to other targets.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday the reigning NFC champions have interviewed Rams defensive backs coach Chris Shula and Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has spoken with the team as well.

Whoever succeeds Gannon will have a high standard to match.

The Eagles allowed the second-fewest yards (301.5) and eighth-fewest points (20.2) per game while ranking sixth in defensive efficiency at Football Outsiders.