If FSU wants to make a splash hire, Jim Leonhard is the quickest way to do exactly that. Leonhard played college football at University of Wisconsin. He played in the NFL for a few years until he became a DB Coach at Wisconsin. He was the DC at Wisconsin from 2017-2022. When Paul Chryst was fired, Leonhard was the Intern Coach. Most felt that Leonhard would get the HC job. Instead Wisconsin hired Luke Fickell. Leonhard is now a defensive assistant in the NFL with the Broncos.
Why Leonhard? His defenses at Wisconsin were always amongst the best. His defenses were always sound and much disciplined. His defenses would swarm to the football. You did not see many penalties or missed tackles from his guys. Players loved playing for him. He is someone that will eventually end up a HC. He landed four star LB converted to RB Braelon Allen. Ricardo Hallman the starting DB from Miami starts for Wisconsin. He has recruited the state of Florida.
Why Not Leonhard? Does Leonhard really want to come back to college football? He is an assistant in the NFL. He will get paid way more to coach college football but the game has changed. He is still young. He has coached most of his career in the Mid-West. He is someone that may be suited to coaching in the Big 10. (Wisconsin/Illinois) are his two stops. If he does come to FSU the odds are he won't be there long. Have success and Leonhard will be a head coach candidate within two years.
Final Thoughts: Leonhard does not check every box (ACC/SEC) coaching. That being said Leonhard is an elite DC who would have success pretty much anywhere he coaches. He is one of the most respected coaches in college football. He is the type of coach that could turn FSU defensive woes around in year one. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of his players and will put his players in position to win. He will blitz but is not super aggressive. His defense is set up to not give up big plays. If FSU can land a Leonard, it would be a home run hire.
Why Leonhard? His defenses at Wisconsin were always amongst the best. His defenses were always sound and much disciplined. His defenses would swarm to the football. You did not see many penalties or missed tackles from his guys. Players loved playing for him. He is someone that will eventually end up a HC. He landed four star LB converted to RB Braelon Allen. Ricardo Hallman the starting DB from Miami starts for Wisconsin. He has recruited the state of Florida.
Why Not Leonhard? Does Leonhard really want to come back to college football? He is an assistant in the NFL. He will get paid way more to coach college football but the game has changed. He is still young. He has coached most of his career in the Mid-West. He is someone that may be suited to coaching in the Big 10. (Wisconsin/Illinois) are his two stops. If he does come to FSU the odds are he won't be there long. Have success and Leonhard will be a head coach candidate within two years.
Final Thoughts: Leonhard does not check every box (ACC/SEC) coaching. That being said Leonhard is an elite DC who would have success pretty much anywhere he coaches. He is one of the most respected coaches in college football. He is the type of coach that could turn FSU defensive woes around in year one. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of his players and will put his players in position to win. He will blitz but is not super aggressive. His defense is set up to not give up big plays. If FSU can land a Leonard, it would be a home run hire.
