NFL Rumors on Chargers, Bills Eyeing Jim Leonhard for DC Job Under Jim Harbaugh, Joe Brady

Denver Broncos assistant head coach Jim Leonhard is receiving interest from two AFC playoff teams for their vacant defensive coordinator positions.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers have requested an interview with Leonhard as they look to replace Jesse Minter.

Rapoport added that Leonhard has also received interest from the Buffalo Bills under new head coach Joe Brady.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that Leonhard is expected to be a "leading candidate" for the Buffalo job.

Minter, who has been Jim Harbaugh's defensive coordinator going back to 2022 at Michigan, signed a five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens to become their new head coach.

The Bills have not formally announced any changes to their defensive staff after announcing Brady was being promoted to head coach after spending the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator under Sean McDermott.

Bobby Babich is still listed on the Bills' official website as the defensive coordinator. The 42-year-old has been with the organization since 2017 and took over as the defensive coordinator prior to the 2024 season.

Either the Chargers or Bills jobs would seem to be appealing to any candidate. They are coming off playoff appearances this season, have established stars at the quarterback position and finished in the top 12 in points allowed.

Leonhard is very familiar with the Bills organization. The Wisconsin alum was originally signed by Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and spent four years over two stints with the club.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh likely knows Leonhard very well from their time in the college ranks. Leonhard spent eight years working in the Big Ten between Wisconsin (2016 to '22) and Illinois (2023) while Harbaugh was at Michigan.

Sean Payton, who briefly coached Leonhard with the New Orleans Saints in 2013 prior to his release at the end of the preseason, hired him to be the Broncos defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator in February 2024.

The Broncos promoted Leonhard to assistant head coach in March 2025. His only previous experience as a defensive coordinator was at Wisconsin from 2017 to '22.