“After discussions with my family and Coach (Luke) Fickell, I will remain the (defensive coordinator) through the bowl game but no longer be a part of the staff after the conclusion of the 2022 season,” he wrote.
Leonhard did not say what his next move may be.
He had been seen as a favorite to take over the head coaching job full-time before the Badgers announced Fickell’s hire last week.
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Leonhard had been the Badgers’ defensive coordinator since 2017 before taking over the top job following Chryst’s firing.
Tuesday’s announcement is the latest shakeup on the Badgers’ roster since Fickell was hired. Starting quarterback Graham Mertz announced over the weekend he will enter the transfer portal.
The Badgers will take on Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 27.
Following Leonhard’s announcement, a number of Badgers took to social media to thank him for his devotion to the team.
Running back Braelon Allen tweeted Leonhard is “One of the best to ever do it.”
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig called Leonhard “THE GREATEST BADGER OF ALL TIME!!!! ON AND OFF THE FIELD.”
“One of the brightest and greatest men in the game, and an inspiration to all underdogs out there,” Matt Henningsen, a defensive lineman with the Denver Broncos and a former Badger, wrote. “I wouldn’t be where I am without Coach Leonhard.”
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