With Jim Leonhard taking over as interim coach of the University of Wisconsin football team, take a look back at the State Journal's coverage of key moments in his journey from Badgers walk-on to the NFL and back to Madison, where he now is charged with leading the team into a new era.
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Sophomore strong safety Jim Leonhard had a huge game with two interceptions, while also knocking away a deep pass near the Badgers' 40-yard line on fourth-and-19 in the closing minutes.
Leonhard? The easy way? Forget it. There's a reason why the word hard is embedded right in the guy's name. The hard way is the only way he knows.
Former Badgers safety Jim Leonhard has helped teach so many players at the school, he should apply for tenure.
Leonhard played for the Badgers from 2001-04 and spent 10 years in the NFL.
Leonhard replaces Justin Wilcox, who left to become the head coach at Cal.
For Jim Leonhard, would allure of Packers, NFL be enough to make him leave the ‘dream job’ he loves?
An NFL source confirmed Packers coach Matt LaFleur was set to talk with Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard about the Packers’ vacant position, though it was unclear when that conversation was going to take place and just how intensely Leonhard was pursuing the opportunity.
“It was me choosing UW,” Jim Leonhard told the State Journal Saturday morning. “I want to stay at UW. I want to be at this level right now. Extremely flattered. Awesome opportunity. But it was not the right time for me to go back to the NFL.”
The former Wisconsin walk-on who had a 10-year NFL career is tasked with leading the Badgers after Paul Chryst's firing.
Jim Leonhard is no stranger to the Badgers football program. Here's things to know about Wisconsin's new coach.
Photos: Former Wisconsin football star Jim Leonhard through the years
Jim Leonhard returns an interception against Indiana during happier times, before the team gave up a huge lead. The Wisconsin Badgers took on the Indiana Hoosiers Oct. 12, 2002, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Indiana.
Jim Leonhard takes it to the house as he returns a punt for a 63-yard touchdown late in the game to tie Purdue. The Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 26-23 Oct. 18, 2003, at Camp Randall Stadium.
Jim Leonhard and the Badgers felt at home in Tucson, Arizona. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 9-7 September 18, 2004.
Jim Leonhard (18) of the Badgers returns a punt against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
Badgers Jim Leonhard exits the field after setting a new record in all-time punt returns.
Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard during pregame warmups before the Badgers host New Mexico State Sept. 17. Leonhard has been promoted to head coach with the firing of Paul Chryst, right.
Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard embraces safety D'Cota Dixon (14) after a defensive touchdown during the first half of the 2017 Big Ten Football Championship against Ohio State.
