Jim Leonhard is in his first NFL defensive coordinator role, but spent five years in that position at Wisconsin.
Jim Leonhard is in his first NFL defensive coordinator role, but spent five years in that position at Wisconsin.
Alaina GetzenbergMay 29, 2026, 06:00 AM ETCloseAlaina Getzenberg covers the Buffalo Bills for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2021. Alaina was previously a beat reporter for the Charlotte Observer and has also worked for CBS Sports and the Dallas Morning News. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.
Alaina GetzenbergMay 29, 2026, 06:00 AM ET
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills' change in defensive scheme has been akin to a breakup.
Or at least defensive tackle Ed Oliver finds it to be an apt comparison.
"Everything you did in the last relationship, yeah, throw that all that away," Oliver said. "This [is] a whole 'nother person ... so you got to relearn."
The unit is undergoing a massive change after previously being led by head coach Sean McDermott for the last nine seasons. Jim Leonhard has taken over as coordinator under Joe Brady and is in the process of implementing his vision during the team's voluntary organized team activities (OTAs).
Oliver, who was drafted ninth overall in the 2019 NFL draft, has only played in an NFL defense under McDermott and grew comfortable in his scheme. While breakups can be difficult, Oliver is looking at the change as a new opportunity.
"It's fun, it's different," Oliver said. "Change is always hard but sometimes change is good. I don't know, I just look at it with that kind of optimism and just let it ride."
Leonhard can get a better sense of the players' comfort in the new defense during OTAs while still trying different ideas out. Leonhard is in his first defensive coordinator role in the NFL but spent six seasons in that position at Wisconsin (2017-22).
Averytin News NFL update.