Bills and Ravens in Battle for Coveted Defensive Coach as Jim Leonhard Joins the Hunt
The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are on the hunt for a highly sought-after defensive coordinator, with Jim Leonhard at the forefront of the search. The Broncos' pass game coordinator has been one of the most talked-about names in coaching circles over the past month, having interviewed for multiple top-notch defensive coordinator openings.
However, while many of those positions have been filled, two prominent spots remain vacant in Buffalo and Baltimore, according to CBS Sports sources. The Ravens hired former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their new head coach, which may reduce Leonhard's potential involvement, but the Bills have opted for a different approach. They promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who will likely be calling the shots on offense, leaving a void that Leonhard would love to fill.
The timing of these moves couldn't be more fortuitous for Leonhard, who has been looking to make a name for himself as a top defensive mind in the NFL. He interviewed with the Ravens just last week and is now in the running for the job, although a meeting with the Bills has yet to be scheduled.
The Buffalo and Baltimore teams both parted ways with their longtime coaches after disappointing seasons, with the Bills failing to make it past the Divisional Round without Lamar Jackson and the Ravens not even making the playoffs. Harbaugh's departure was seen as a necessary step for both franchises to move forward, and adding Leonhard would certainly be a positive development.
While time will tell if these moves were the right ones, one thing is certain: Jim Leonhard is now firmly in the mix for a coveted defensive coordinator position, and his services are being courted by two of the biggest teams in the league.
The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are on the hunt for a highly sought-after defensive coordinator, with Jim Leonhard at the forefront of the search. The Broncos' pass game coordinator has been one of the most talked-about names in coaching circles over the past month, having interviewed for multiple top-notch defensive coordinator openings.
However, while many of those positions have been filled, two prominent spots remain vacant in Buffalo and Baltimore, according to CBS Sports sources. The Ravens hired former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their new head coach, which may reduce Leonhard's potential involvement, but the Bills have opted for a different approach. They promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who will likely be calling the shots on offense, leaving a void that Leonhard would love to fill.
The timing of these moves couldn't be more fortuitous for Leonhard, who has been looking to make a name for himself as a top defensive mind in the NFL. He interviewed with the Ravens just last week and is now in the running for the job, although a meeting with the Bills has yet to be scheduled.
The Buffalo and Baltimore teams both parted ways with their longtime coaches after disappointing seasons, with the Bills failing to make it past the Divisional Round without Lamar Jackson and the Ravens not even making the playoffs. Harbaugh's departure was seen as a necessary step for both franchises to move forward, and adding Leonhard would certainly be a positive development.
While time will tell if these moves were the right ones, one thing is certain: Jim Leonhard is now firmly in the mix for a coveted defensive coordinator position, and his services are being courted by two of the biggest teams in the league.