

That says something about how much Leonhard means to them. Just look at the way this group has responded to him when he’s walked into the locker room following victories against Northwestern and Purdue, Drake’s “Jimmy Cooks” blaring to player cheers as a mosh pit forms around the coach. His passion and energy appears to be contagious with the team. He understands the culture of Wisconsin’s program, and he is relatable to players. Leonhard has a brilliant football mind and is articulate in how he handles tough questions from reporters. But the more Leonhard continues on this path, the more difficult it is to believe he won’t be the one to earn the full-time job.
#Joel leonhard full
McIntosh said at a news conference following Chryst’s firing that he owed it to the program to do a full coaching search “when the time is right.” There certainly would be several quality candidates interested from outside the program. Instead, it’s about how the team shows up each Saturday to compete.

It’s not necessarily about a specific win-loss record for Leonhard during his seven games as the interim coach because it would be tough to solve all of the issues that plagued the Badgers in such a short period of time.

But I’d have to imagine McIntosh is pleased with what he has seen. We don’t know the exact criteria on which athletic director Chris McIntosh is judging Leonhard (McIntosh declined an interview request with The Athletic two weeks ago through a school official to address that topic). Wisconsin is 2-1 in three games under Leonhard and, as he put it after his team’s 35-24 victory against Purdue on Saturday, 3-for-3 in terms of “playing extremely hard.” Wisconsin lost 34-28 in double-overtime at Michigan State two Saturdays ago, but at least the Badgers couldn’t be faulted for their effort level.
#Joel leonhard how to
Leonhard had to manage the emotions of his players and coaches, continue to prepare the defense in his role as defensive coordinator, deliver valuable messages about compartmentalization and accountability to the entire group and figure out how to make some key changes to help the Badgers win immediately. 2 and now has the Badgers playing inspired football with better execution. He was tasked with rallying a team that was reeling from the news of Chryst’s firing on Oct. I couldn’t be more impressed with the way Leonhard has handled his first three weeks as the interim coach. Jim Leonhard will be the permanent head coach Let’s examine some of the most pressing topics that have materialized about the program and how they will impact the future. As we hit Wisconsin’s idle week, it’s time to play everybody’s favorite game: truth or myth.
