Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonard isn’t headed to the NFL.
According to Tom Oates, Leonard has turned down the chance to become the new DC of the Packers, and that means he’s staying in Madison. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
#Badgers DC Jim Leonhard talked with #Packers coach Matt LaFleur via zoom on Tuesday and in person on Thursday and turned down the job Friday. He said it was a difficult decision but that his heart was at UW and in college coaching at this time. (More to come)
— Tom Oates (@TomOatesWSJ) February 6, 2021
#Badgers DC Jim Leonhard on turning down #Packers’ job offer: “It was me choosing UW. I want to stay at UW. I want to be at this level right now. Extremely flattered. Awesome opportunity. But it was not the right time for me to go back to the NFL.”
— Tom Oates (@TomOatesWSJ) February 6, 2021
This is huge news for Wisconsin. This is honestly some of the best news we’ve had in the world of football in a long time.
Jim Leonard is probably the best DC in the country. Wisconsin’s defense has been unreal with him running the show.
If he had left for the NFL, it would have been an incredible blow to the program. Luckily, we avoided that situation unfolding.
You also have to imagine he’s getting a healthy raise to say no to the Packers. NFL coordinators make several million dollars a year.
While he won’t ever get that in Madison, he should definitely get around $1.5 million. If we can afford even more, then give it to him.
Will Leonard eventually leave? I have no idea, but I truly believe he’s the best assistant coach in America. I’m happy he’s sticking around in Madison.