After that, the wheels started to fall off the tracks, allowing 72 combined points in two games versus Ohio State. So that’s a net total of ONE POINT allowed in their first seven games of a season. What’s even crazier? They scored 28 points on defensive TDs over that same period. In their first six games, the Badgers defense allowed just 29 points. In 2019, they had a historic start to the season.

Ironically, it was the year that Leonhard’s defense did not rank inside the top-10 that he is best remembered for. Leonhard’s unit has ranked top-10 in the country in total defense in three of his four years as coordinator. They ranked fourth-last in the Big10 in sacks per game. While traditionally the offensive lines of the Big10 are some of the strongest in college football, Leonhard probably expected more out of his pass rushers than just 11 sacks across seven games. One issue they’ve had this season came in the sack department. Wisconsin also allowed the second-fewest TDs (15) of any Power Five team to play more than five games in 2020. They also allowed only 17.4 points per game. Wisconsin ranked fifth in total defense out of the 127 active FBS teams in 2020, allowing less than 300 yards per game, a very respectable feat in the world of college football. While he is a popular candidate, his lack of NFL coaching experience may be a concern. He then upgraded to defensive coordinator after just one season and has held that role ever since. Leonhard started at Wisconsin as a DB coach in 2016. Leonhard is somewhat a fan favorite among the Packers faithful due to being local via Madison and the Badgers. Reason #1: Leonhard is a potential hometown hire Here are a few reasons why he would make sense for the Packers.

One of these candidates being current Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. On Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that the Green Bay Packers are set to have a very busy couple days with interviews for the vacant defensive coordinator position.

Jim leonhard stats