Broncos' Jim Leonhard Reportedly Hired As Bills DC for Joe Brady's Coaching Staff

Joe Brady reportedly has found his defensive coordinator.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Buffalo Bills are hiring Denver Broncos passing games coordinator Jim Leonhard as their defensive coordinator. According to Rapoport, the two sides have agreed to a contract.

Leonhard was a free safety in the NFL from 2005 to 2014, having stints with the Bills, Ravens, Jets, Broncos, Saints and Browns. He played for Buffalo from 2005 to 2007 and again in 2013.

He got his coaching start at his alma mater, Wisconsin, in 2016 as a defensive backs coach. Leonhard served various roles, including interim head coach, for the Badgers until 2023, when he joined Illinois' staff as an analyst.

The Broncos hired Leonard in 2024 as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. He took over assistant head coach duties ahead of the 2025 campaign.

In his two years in Denver, Leonhard has helped lead one of the league's best defenses. The Broncos allowed the seventh-fewest yards per game (317.1) and the third-fewest points per game (18.3) in 2024 as star cornerback Patrick Surtain II won Defensive Player of the Year.

Denver was even better this year, allowing the second-fewest yards per game (278.2) and the third-fewest points per game (18.3). The Broncos finished the season 14-3 and reached the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2015.

Leonhard was a popular candidate in this year's coaching cycle, as he interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers' vacant defensive coordinator gig and had received an interview request from the Baltimore Ravens.

Ultimately, he'll head to Buffalo.

Having now hired Leonhard, Brady has filled two of the biggest openings on his staff less than a week after taking over as head coach.

On Friday, the Bills hired Broncos senior offensive assistant Pete Carmichael Jr. as their offensive coordinator. Brady, who has served as Buffalo's offensive coordinator the last two seasons, has already confirmed he will be the team's offensive playcaller in 2026.