Wisconsin Football: Jim Leonhard reportedly being looked at by Florida State

Wisconsin football will have their fingers crossed as defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is a hot target for other schools

The Wisconsin Badgers had one of the best defensive units in 2017, thanks in large part to first-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard who took over the position after last year’s person in the position, Justin Wilcox, left to take the head coaching job at California. Wilcox had spent just one season at Wisconsin after their former coordinator Dave Aranda left for LSU.

Once again, the Badgers and their fans are fearing the worst as Leonhard has been the talk of many conversations as one of many assistant coaches being targeted by other schools.

In a report from Land of 10, newly acquired Florida State Seminoles head coach, Willie Taggart, is eyeing Leonhard in an attempt to fill his coaching staff with young and energetic talent. The 35-year old Leonhard fits that description perfectly, having played four years of college football at Wisconsin followed by a long and illustrious career in the NFL. After one season as the defensive backs coach at Wisconsin, Leonhard was promoted to defensive coordinator following Wilcox’s departure.

Despite the many injuries the Badgers faced in 2017, Leonhard’s defensive squad consistently produced and served as the top defense in the nation. The front seven was expected to do well, even with the injuries at linebacker, but perhaps the most impressive part of Leonhard’s system was the secondary play, led by All-American cornerback Nick Nelson.

Taggart was announced as the next head coach of Florida State as he departed Oregon. Florida State is coming off one of their worst seasons in decades and almost missed out on their first bowl game in nearly 40 years. The head coaching spot opened up when Jimbo Fisher left for Texas A&M.

Of course, right now these rumors are simply rumors. It was expected that Leonhard would be the hot target in the coaching carousel following his successful debut season. One thing Wisconsin fans can be optimistic about is the direction of the Badgers’ program and the success seen in just one year. Also add in the fact that Leonhard is a Wisconsin alum and the only thing that would make it seem plausible that he leaves is money.

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Leonhard and the Badgers will take on Miami in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.