Wisconsin Football: Former Coach, Player Holding Out For Elusive ‘24 NFL Job

After struggling to find a true home two seasons ago, former Interim Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard accepted a much smaller role. Leonhard joined the Illinois football staff as a senior football analyst and assistant, which required Leonhard to give his input on upcoming opponents and defenses. Now, the Illinois football staff has announced they will allow Leonhard to seek NFL positions while remaining with the team.

From how the situation was described, the Illinois football staff will give Leonhard permission to apply and interview for NFL jobs while keeping his current title. If Leonhard is unable to find an NFL job before the Spring, he will return to his normal position with the Fighting Illini.

A season ago, Leonhard was a crucial part of the behind-the-scenes work going on in Illinois. The Wisconsin football team struggled and lost when they played a stronger Illinois squad this past season.

Could the Wisconsin Badgers Football Legend Leonhard Find an NFL Home?

While Leonhard is hoping to land an NFL gig, it could be quite some time before the former Wisconsin football staffer is able to find a job. Multiple established NFL coaches and assistants have found themselves without a job this past rotation, which certainly does not bode well for Leonhard who is trying to work his way in. It could potentially be another year or two before Leonhard is able to crack the NFL ranks due to the lack of current job openings.

Likely, if Leonhard finds his way into the NFL coaching system this coming season he will serve under the same title he has with the Fighting Illini. The talented coach might not want to take the same job at the professional level.

A Homecoming for Badgers Fans: Could Leonhard Return to Wisconsin in the Future?

With the current situation that Leonhard is in, it seems unlikely he would join the Wisconsin football staff in the future. Leonhard is currently looking to continue climbing the coaching ranks, and returning to Wisconsin anytime soon would likely not help the coach due to the lack of major openings in the staff. However, a return should not be totally ruled out.