The Dallas Cowboys spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since firing Matt Eberflus. Jerry Jones was his usual self, but Brian Schottenheimer offered some clarity on what he’s looking for in his next defensive coordinator.
Does that sound like generic coachspeak? Sure. Schottenheimer made sure to throw in several buzzwords, staying away from making any declarations about scheme and instead focusing on soft skills. Given the issues Eberflus had in implementing his scheme, which has seen success elsewhere, that makes sense.
It also perfectly describes at least one coach who’s been floated by many (including yours truly) as a candidate.
Jim Leonhard has been the pass game coordinator for the Broncos over the last two years, during which time Denver is second in EPA/dropback and first in success rate against the pass. He was a longtime coach at his alma mater, Wisconsin, starting his career there as a defensive backs coach before rising to defensive coordinator and, later, interim head coach.
Leonhard also played three seasons for the Jets under Rex Ryan, and Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator for all three seasons. Surely Schottenheimer is familiar with the type of leader and teacher that Leonhard is.
For those who aren’t, though, know this: Leonhard is renowned for his defensive prowess. Not only is he an X’s and O’s wizard – playing for Rex Ryan and starting your coaching career under Justin Wilcox and Dave Aranda will do that – but Leonhard has drawn rave reviews everywhere he’s been for the way he teaches his players.
When Leonhard was passed over for the full-time head job at Wisconsin, he spent a year as an analyst at Illinois, working for former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema. At the time of his addition, Bielema had this to say about Leonhard:
“I know this from recruiting against him that he’s obviously a guy who has the ability to connect with players. It doesn’t matter [if it’s] defensive backs, wideouts, running backs, defensive linemen, linebackers, he’s… very, very good at player communication. He