The Buffalo Bills introduced Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday at One Bills Drive. Leonhard spoke about his vision for the team’s defense, detailing changes in scheme and approach as he prepares for his first NFL play-calling role.
Leonhard outlined a shift from the Bills’ previous 4-3 base defense to a 3-4 alignment, where three defensive linemen and four linebackers will take the field. This configuration provides more flexibility, particularly with outside linebackers who can both rush the passer and drop into coverage. “It’s going to be a change for them, but we’re excited as a coaching staff to really be able to create something that is best for their skill sets and fits their personalities,” Leonhard said.
Under former head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo focused on nickel packages and ranked near the bottom of the league in blitz rate since 2023. By contrast, Leonhard wants to bring a more aggressive identity inspired by his time learning under Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The Broncos have consistently ranked among the top teams in sending extra pass rushers. “We’re going to be an attacking defense up front and in the back end. We’re going to attack the football. The biggest stat in football is turnovers, so we’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to fly around, we’re going to communicate, we’re going to play well together, but we’re going to cause issues for offense, and we’re going to force them to react to us,” he explained.
Leonhard noted that Buffalo has lacked a consistent pass rush in recent seasons—ranking 19th in sacks over two years—and stressed that improvement is essential. However, he also emphasized adapting strategies based on weekly opponents: “We’re going to be aggressive, we’re not going to be reckless,” he said. “There’s a right and a wrong way in my opinion on how to attack quarterbacks in the NFL and it changes a little bit week to week based on their skill set …You have to try to change the comfort level of that quarterback, you got to be able to speed him up, you got to be able to slow him down.”
Stopping opposing teams’ running games will also be a focus for Leonhard’s unit. He stated: “You have to be able to control the tempo of a game. The number one way to control the tempo of a game is stopping the run. To force them into situations where you’re in an advantageous position as a defense, so a firm believer in stopping the run to make teams predictable.”
As offseason workouts approach, Leonhard stressed earning respect from players rather than expecting it immediately: “We don’t deserve their respect right away, you got to go earn it, and you’ve got to be consistent in the communication and consistent in how you approach your relationships.” He also highlighted bringing assistants who share this mindset.
While reviewing film of current players is ongoing for Leonhard and his staff, he singled out cornerback Christian Benford as someone around whom he plans schemes: “[Benford] is going to be a big leader for this defense and we’re going to create the scheme around players like that,” he said. He praised Benford’s talent and leadership qualities.
Leonhard also commended safety Cole Bishop’s development: “I was a very big fan of Cole coming out of college. The versatility that he has… You’re starting to see those flashes show up more and more as I expected through the evaluation process.”
Looking ahead at roster construction through free agency and drafts with general manager Brandon Beane and scouts, Leonhard shared his criteria clearly with staff: “Trying to communicate as clearly as I could the things that I look for… just kind of throw a lot of things out there and get questions… just create as much clarity for that scouting staff,” he added.
Bills head coach Joe Brady expressed enthusiasm about adding Leonhard: “He’s very passionate about this place and you don’t have talk long with him before that’s clear.” For his part, Leonhard praised Brady’s energy: “Then just communication… what he’s trying do… people he’s trying get building… culture team.”
Leonhard looks forward not only leading Buffalo’s defense but doing so with autonomy given by Brady: “The other exciting piece about talking with Joe Brady is autonomy he’s giving me… Let’s create a defense that we can all be proud of,” he said. “Let’s create a defense that the NFL doesn’t want play against.”
