The Baltimore Ravens have requested an interview with Jim Leonhard for their defensive coordinator position. Leonhard is the Denver Broncos’ defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach. He played for the Ravens in 2008.

Leonhard was a defensive back for the Ravens, starting 13 of 16 games. He recorded 69 tackles, nine pass deflections, and returned an interception for a touchdown. That was as a player. The Ravens are now considering him as the person who would run their defense under rookie head coach Jesse Minter.

Denver finished the 2025 regular season 14-3 and reached the AFC Championship Game. Leonhard joined the Broncos in 2024 after serving as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022, where his units became one of the Big Ten’s best. He helped develop Patrick Surtain II into one of the league’s top corners. The Ravens had 35 sacks last season, ranking near the bottom of the league. Marlon Humphrey had a difficult year.

Baltimore isn’t the only team pursuing Leonhard. The Chargers have already interviewed him. The Bills are expected to as well. Leonhard wants to be a defensive coordinator. The Broncos recently fired several offensive staff members, but Leonhard remains. He’s positioned to leave for a coordinator role, and multiple teams are competing to hire him.

Jesse Minter is expected to call plays on defense as head coach. Leonhard would contribute to scheme and player development rather than in-game play-calling. His background in pass defense and secondary development fits what Baltimore needs after last season’s struggles. The Ravens have a connection to Leonhard from his playing days. Whether that helps them win the competition for his services is unclear.