The turnaround follows Jim Harbaugh’s rapid staff changes: he fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter departed for the Baltimore Ravens’ head coaching job. With Mike McDaniel installed as the new offensive coordinator, the Chargers are now targeting a new defensive leader.
Leonhard, currently Denver’s defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach, is a standout recruit for the role. He previously spent five seasons as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator, briefly served as interim head coach in 2022, and later worked as a senior football analyst at Illinois before joining the Broncos.
Denver’s defense has been one of the league’s better units this past season, and Leonhard’s role as a top assistant has amplified his profile around the NFL. His experience, especially as a DC in college and now in the pro ranks, positions him as a versatile candidate for Los Angeles.
The Bills have also shown interest in Leonhard, adding to the competition for his services. While his college ties with Wisconsin and his playmaking background with the Bills add intrigue, the Chargers offer a high‑level current defensive unit and a chance to branch out in a fresh system under Harbaugh’s leadership.
If Los Angeles pursues Leonhard, it will require a strong pitch to lure him from Denver, where he has built relationships and contributed to a productive defense. The Bills remain a notable competition, and other teams could enter the mix as the coaching market continues to evolve.
The Chargers’ interview process for a new defensive coordinator is just getting underway, with Leonhard emerging as a prominent option to potentially guide the unit in 2026. Further updates on interviews and candidate rankings are expected in the coming days.
