Explore Jim Leonhard's ascent from Wisconsin walk-on to interim coach
As Jim Leonhard embarks on his latest challenge at Wisconsin, these photos capture his ascent from Badgers walk-on to starter, then to the NFL and back to UW.
UW walk-on — 2001
Jim Leonhard joined the Badgers as a walk-on for the 2001 season, during which he contributed on special teams, including here where he knocks Western Kentucky's Joseph Jefferson out of the way before retrieving a fumble during a Badgers victory Sept. 29, 2001, at Camp Randall.
First start at UW — Aug. 23, 2002
Jim Leonhard turned in a strong performance in his first start with the Badgers, intercepting two passes and breaking up a deep throw in the final minutes to help UW edge Fresno State in their season opener Aug. 23, 2002, at Camp Randall.
Retrieving the Axe — Nov. 23, 2002
Sophomore Jim Leonhard hoists the Paul Bunyan Axe after picking off two passes to help Wisconsin rout Minnesota 49-31 in the regular-season finale Nov. 23, 2002, to regain possession of the Axe after falling to the Gophers in 2001. Leonhard finished the 2002 season with 11 interceptions along with 36 punt returns for 434 yards and a touchdown.
Junior season at UW — 2003
Jim Leonhard returned 34 punts for 470 yards and two scores as a junior while also intercepting seven passes, including this one in the first half of UW's 56-21 win over Michigan State on Nov. 15, 2003, at Camp Randall. The Badgers earned a trip to the Music City Bowl in Nashville that season, but fell to Auburn to finish 7-6 on the year.
Final run at UW — 2004
Jim Leonhard finished his UW career strong with 35 punt returns for 443 yards along with three interceptions and a fumble return for a touchdown in his senior season to wrap up his time with the Badgers tied for the program record for most interceptions and with the Big Ten record for career punt return yardage.
UW defensive backs coach — 2016
Jim Leonhard wasn't out of football long after retiring from the NFL, returning to UW as defensive backs coach in February 2016, in time to help coach Paul Chryst prepare the Badgers during spring practices April 23, 2016, in Madison. UW went on to finish the season ranked No. 8 in the country with an 11-3 record and a win over No. 12 Western Michigan in the Cotton Bowl.
UW defensive coordinator — 2017-22
Jim Leonhard moved up quickly from position coach to defensive coordinator, with Chryst promoting Leonhard just a year after adding the former Badger to the coaching staff. In his first season running the defense, Leonhard helped guide the Badgers to an appearance in the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis (above) on Dec. 2, 2017. While UW tied Ohio State with a defensive touchdown in the first quarter, the No. 8 Buckeyes went on to hand the No. 3 Badgers their first loss of the season. UW slipped to sixth in the nation with the loss and went on to the Orange Bowl where a win over No. 11 Miami capped a 13-1 season. In Leonhard's five-plus seasons as defensive coordinator, the Badgers compiled a 46-20 record.
UW interim head coach — Oct. 2, 2022
Jim Leonhard was named interim head coach of the UW football program on Oct. 2, replacing Paul Chryst, the coach who brought him back to Madison. Leonhard acknowledged the challenges in helping guide the program through the transition, but expressed confidence in his ability to get the job done. "I’m up to that task," Leonhard said when the coaching change was announced, "and I'm excited for that journey that we're about to go on.”
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