The Denver Broncos might be on the verge of losing a key member of Sean Payton’s coaching staff. Jim Leonhard, the Broncos’ defensive backs coach, is “expected to be a leading candidate” for the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator position, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Buffalo recently appointed Joe Brady as its head coach, and he is now busy assembling his coaching staff.

Leonhard, 43, is considered an overqualified defensive backs coach. He was promoted to assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator in 2025. Before his coaching career, Leonhard made a name for himself in the NFL as a safety. Interestingly, he spent the initial years of his playing career with the Bills and later returned for a second stint, establishing a deep connection with the franchise.

Leonhard carved out his coaching reputation at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, where he specialized in developing defensive talent. He later made the leap to the NFL in 2024 when he joined the Broncos’ coaching staff. His expertise has been pivotal in molding the Denver secondary into a formidable unit.

If Leonhard does accept the position with the Bills, it may serve as consolation for the Broncos that current defensive coordinator Vance Joseph does not appear to be a strong candidate for any of the remaining head coaching openings in the NFL. While Joseph was seen as a potential loss for the Broncos, Leonhard was viewed as a strong in-house candidate to step into the role of defensive coordinator should Joseph leave. With the current circumstances, it seems that Joseph might stay in Denver while Leonhard moves on to a promotion.