Broncos could lose rising defensive coach to Bills

January 27, 2026 - 21:20

The Denver Broncos' defensive staff is bracing for a significant potential loss this offseason. Jim Leonhard, the team's highly-regarded defensive backs coach, has emerged as a top candidate for the Buffalo Bills' vacant defensive coordinator position.

Leonhard, a former NFL safety, joined Head Coach Sean Payton's staff just last year and made an immediate impact. He is widely credited with the rapid development of rookie cornerback Riley Moss and for helping to maintain the Broncos' secondary as a strength throughout the season. His work did not go unnoticed, earning him a formal interview for the Green Bay Packers' coordinator job earlier this month.

The Bills, seeking a replacement for the departed Leslie Frazier, are now seriously considering Leonhard. His reputation for innovative defensive schemes and player development, honed during a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin, makes him an attractive target. For the Broncos, losing Leonhard would be a setback, forcing them to find a new coach to guide a critical position group. The decision now rests with the Buffalo front office as Denver hopes to retain its rising coaching talent.