JUST NOW: Jim Leonhard, the former football coach of Wisconsin, has “irons in the fire.”

Jim Leonhard, the former interim football coach at the University of Wisconsin, is still employed by Illinois, a Big Ten rival, at least for the time being.

At a press conference on Wednesday in Champaign, Illinois, former Badgers coach Bret Bielema of Illinois was questioned about Leonhard’s current status with the Illini.

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Bielema remarked, “I just talked to him today.” Theoretically, yes. However, we signed him with the understanding that we would be open to hearing from him again if he so desired.

“I’ve talked to Jimmy a lot, not about work; he’s just someone I like to bounce ideas off of and see where they’re at. I don’t want to get into his affairs, but I believe that we will continue our relationship if he doesn’t get what he wants at a higher level than we do—not college.

In July 2023, Bielema appointed Leonhard as a senior football analyst. During the season, Leonhard would usually work in Champaign from Sunday through Thursday and spend three nights a week with his family in the Madison area.

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The rumors of Leonhard considering a career change to NFL coaching are not new. Although Leonhard was selected by Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur to be defensive coordinator in the early months of 2021, he decided to remain as defensive coordinator with the Badgers rather than play ten seasons in the NFL.

At the time, Leonhard declared, “It was very real.” “I was about out the door.”

Remaining at Wisconsin, Leonhard succeeded Paul Chryst as interim coach in October 2022. After leading the Badgers to a 4-3 record as a former walk-on turned All-American from the small town of Tony, athletic director Chris McIntosh decided to hire Luke Fickell from Cincinnati in November 2022 rather than removing Leonhard’s interim tag.

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Fickell extended an offer to Leonhard to join his coaching staff at Wisconsin; however, Leonhard chose to leave his alma mater. Bielema later hired him at Illinois as a result of that.

Bielema stated on Wednesday, “He literally sent a report a couple weeks ago that was unbelievably detailed and great ideas and thoughts.” “I merely contacted him last evening. Jimmy has been fantastic, even though I know he has some burning issues — that’s his business.

The Badgers are not expected to play this fall, despite defeating the Illini 25-21 in the previous season.