Nobody truly knows whether Bobby Engram has been able to run his offense the way he envisioned or if Paul Chryst had significant input and hindered his play-calling ability (that’s my best guess). Let’s call a spade a spade Wisconsin’s offense has been terrible. Right now, I’m going to operate under the assumption this is the beginning of the Jim Leonhard era for the Wisconsin Badgers. I have no reason to believe Leonhard won’t succeed if he can surround himself with the right assistants. If things go poorly ( I don’t think it will), UW can cast a wider net and perform a national coaching search. Now, coach Leonhard has the opportunity to audition for his dream job, allowing the Wisconsin athletic department to evaluate him before making a permanent decision. Fans and media alike were calling for a change, and following a loss to Illinois, he had a window to make this move with little to no backlash. My guess is McIntosh wanted his guy (presumably Jim Leonhard) to take over the program and wanted to strike while the proverbial iron was hot. While we may never know the actual reason, we do know that UW desires to become an upper echelon program, and Chris McIntosh didn’t feel like the Badgers would be able to accomplish that with Chryst at the helm. This move, while risky, signals the athletic department’s desire to reinvigorate the football program and help it reach new heights. If you’re Wisconsin, losing him while the program is backsliding simply wasn’t going to be an option. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)Ĭoach Leonhard is a legend in Wisconsin and one of the sport’s brightest young minds. Why make a move to Jim Leonhard in-season? MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 02: Wisconsin defensive coach Jim Leonhard looks on in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on Octoin Madison, Wisconsin. The writing has been on the wall for some time now Leonhard was always going to be the heir apparent to Paul Chryst. “To me, it’s time to show it.” /1vSDLwFPLs #Badgers coach Jim Leonhard says the time for talking about playing better is done. Now, on an interim basis, he’ll have the chance to reinvigorate the Badgers after a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh wants Leonhard to succeed and become the long-term head coach of the program, make no mistake about it. ![]() In five seasons as the Badgers’ defensive coordinator, Leonard finished top five in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense four times. ![]() That’s why I came back a number of years ago. “I feel like I can take this opportunity and help this place grow. “This place means a lot to me,” Leonhard said during a UW press conference. Jim Leonhard, ladies and gentlemen, is that something to hope for if you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan. – They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for. Jim Leonhard brings renewed hope to the Wisconsin football program
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