Jim Leonhard handled transition from Wisconsin assistant to interim head coach with aplomb
EVANSTON, Illinois — Jim Leonhard was given an opportunity he probably has coveted for years.
The circumstances that led to Leonhard being promoted from Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator to interim head coach had to cause him some consternation, however.
He was promoted on Sunday, hours after Paul Chryst, who brought Leonhard onto UW’s staff in 2016 despite his lack of coaching experience, had been fired.
How would Leonhard express enthusiasm about the opportunity and effectively lead a struggling Wisconsin team without alienating the players who were stunned and angered by Chryst’s firing?
Leonhard, 39, achieved that feat by stepping out of the spotlight rather than bathing in it.
“He told us it was still Coach Chryst’s team,” outside linebacker Nick Herbig said after recording seven tackles in UW’s 42-7 victory over Northwestern on Saturday. “We’re playing for him. It wasn’t about Coach Leonhard at all this week. It was about Coach Chryst.”
Asked how the team responded to that message, Herbig said: “I mean, look at the scoreboard tonight.”
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Leonhard was an All-American safety at Wisconsin under Barry Alvarez. He lasted 10 years in the NFL despite being undrafted in 2005. His physical talents generally were underrated. His football IQ was highlighted at every opportunity.
What often went unnoticed is that Leonhard the player never touted his skills or his achievements. That is how he handled this past week as he made the transition from Chryst’s defensive coordinator to Chryst’s successor.
If anyone thinks that transition was easy, you’re fooling yourself.
“It had to be (difficult) stepping into a role like that unexpectedly,” said tailback Braelon Allen, who rushed for 135 yards and passed for a touchdown. “The way we were feeling emotionally, it had to be tough for him to see. Like I said, he did a great job of getting us ready to play today.”
Inside linebacker Jake Chaney, who made his first start of the season, spoke eloquently about Chryst and Leonhard.
“Coach Chryst got fired for a reason,” he said. “Everybody can (have) their own beliefs, but we feel like we’re the ones who failed him. We put it on the field today for Coach Chryst. This season is pretty much dedicated to him.”
Chaney was asked about what qualities Leonhard has that allowed him to handle the change and lead the players through a tumultuous week.
“I think his honesty and his way of not trying to sugarcoat things can help get us snap back faster,” he said. “He does a really great job with his messaging. He is a great defensive coordinator and a great coach.
“Nobody had second thoughts about him. Nobody (wondered): Can he lead us? We all rallied behind him and followed him.”
Leader. A confidant, yet humble leader.
“He is just a really composed guy,” said inside linebacker Tatum Grass, who made his first start of the season. “That is one thing I’ve always admired about him as a coach.”
The players raved about Leonhard being able to deliver the right messages, in the right tone, during the week.
After the lopsided victory, Leonhard delivered another message.
That message: Saturday was just one game. The Badgers (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) must continue grinding in order to extricate themselves from the hole they dug with losses to Ohio State and Illinois.
“That is the very first thing that I told them,” Leonhard said. “So proud of how they handed this week, dealing with the emotions, being able to focus and get a win.
“It’s all about one at a time. … That is very cliché but we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We’ve got to stay the course.
"It worked this week. Hopefully that trust in the plan, that trust in each other. … I’m excited for that."