From the Archives: Today’s Coach and Coordinator Podcast begins a new series called “Home Team.” This series features guest host Joel Nellis, head coach at Brookfield Central High School (Wisconsin). He was on the Coach and Coordinator podcast as a guest July 2.
Jim Leonhard is in his third season on the coaching staff at Wisconsin. He started by coaching the defensive backs his first season, then moved to defensive coordinator in his second season on the staff. As a defensive coordinator in 2017, Leonhard was a finalist for the Broyles Award for the nation’s top assistant. Before coaching, Leonhard spent 10 seasons in the NFL as a player with the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns. Prior to playing professionally, Leonhard was an all-American defensive back at Wisconsin.
On today’s podcast, Leonhard talks about how he integrates his family with his work and the importance of time management with balancing football and home life.
Show Notes:
1:10 Leonhard on how he met his wife
2:04 How his wife helps make work-life balance easier
3:23 What makes his sons unique
5:06 Transitioning from playing to coaching with his family
7:06 Early career decisions made with his wife
8:54 Making time for family while in season
10:36 Having a kid-friendly environment at work
12:39 Diving into coaching without serving as a graduate assistant first
14:19 Using coaches’ knowledge and teaching skills
16:24 Game planning without looking too far ahead
18:57 Preparing the best ways to win the game
21:47 Coaching players to understanding and executing
24:33 Getting players to buy in to the game plan
27:11 Learning from other programs while focusing inward
30:19 Being fully prepared and still losing the game
34:18 Knowing when to sacrifice time and when not to
36:13 Making an importance on seeing the big picture
37:54 His kids putting things in perspective after a loss
39:32 Legacy for his family through coaching
