Do Broncos Have Plan for Coveted Position Coach After Declining Def. Coordinator Offers?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Walker | Last updated Feb 14, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Denver Broncos still have several coaching vacancies that must be addressed in the 2025 offseason.

One of their most coveted defensive coaches chose to stay despite being offered several defensive coordinator positions.

That begs the question... why?

Enter Jim Leonhard. Leonhard was the Broncos' defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator in 2024.

His previous job was as a defensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2017 to 2022, and many thought he should have been the program's head coach after a stint as the interim after Paul Chryst was fired during the 2022 season.

Sean Payton took notice of Leonhard and brought him on before the 2024 season.

Several teams were interested in him as their defensive coordinator. One with heavy interest was the Indianapolis Colts, which he turned down.

That is interesting, considering the current defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, is still on the staff.

Leonhard's decision can dilute many assumptions, the most intriguing one being: Is Sean Payton grooming him to be the Denver Broncos' next defensive coordinator?

Fans saw a few instances of Payton and Joseph on the sidelines this year where things got a bit chippy between the two.

Joseph's relationship with Payton will be something to watch as the 2025 season unfolds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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