Latest Ravens Rumors on Jim Leonhard, DC Search for Jesse Minter's Staff

Now that Jesse Minter is officially on board as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, his first order of business will be to fill out the staff around him.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Ravens have formally requested an interview with Denver Broncos assistant head coach Jim Leonhard for their defensive coordinator position.

Leonhard has been a popular DC candidate, with Schefter noting he has already interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers and is expected to meet with the Buffalo Bills.

Joe Cullen is currently the only person confirmed to have interviewed with the Ravens about the defensive coordinator job. He previously worked on their defensive staff from 2016 to '20, overlapping with Minter's four seasons in Baltimore (2017 to '20).

Leonhard has never been a defensive coordinator at the NFL level, but he did the job for six seasons at Wisconsin from 2017 to '22. The 43-year-old has spent the past two seasons working on Sean Payton's staff in Denver.

The Broncos originally hired Leonhard as their defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. He was promoted to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator prior to the 2025 season.

Denver's defense ranked third in points allowed in each of the past two seasons. Patrick Surtain II was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, making him the first cornerback to win the award since 2019.

The Ravens finished 18th in points allowed this season. It was their lowest ranking in that category since 2021.