Jim Leonhard a Possibility as Next Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator?

Cleveland Browns could soon be looking for a new defensive coordinator, perhaps it's former Browns player Jim Leonhard

Brandon Little | Dec 27, 2022

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Cleveland Browns

If the Cleveland Browns move on from defensive coordinator Joe Woods, which seems likely, don't be surprised if Cleveland has an interest in a former player for the coaching position.

I think it depends on who is available, I wouldn't be surprised if they poked around Jim Leonard.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) December 27, 2022

Allbright works as a radio host covering the Denver Broncos, but he has some connections in NFL circles. With Leonhard not staying on the Luke Fickell staff at Wisconsin, his next stop isn't yet known.

Leonhard played 10 seasons in the NFL as a safety, his final came with Cleveland in 2014. While at Wisconsin, Leonhard has coached a top-five defense multiple times from 2017-2022. Leonhard served as the interim coach in 2022 for the Badgers.

Going to a young, up-and-coming coach would make a lot of sense for the Browns. It comes off as a move that would connect well with the players on this team.

Obviously, it's all wishful thinking that Cleveland could get Leonhard to take the job. The first step is letting Woods go, which should come following the final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Brandon Little is a writer for Sports Illustrated’s Browns Digest website and you can follow him on Twitter @BrandonLittleFB here. You can follow Browns Digest on Twitter here.

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