For someone known for unassuming, introspective brilliance, Paul Chryst just did something pretty darned radical.
Last week, just a day after the glorious chaos of National Signing Day subsided, Chryst hired a 34-year-old ex-player with only one year of collegiate coaching experience to replace Justin Wilcox as defensive coordinator.
Judging from the B5Q commentariat, Jim Leonhard’s hiring has spurred cautious optimism from Wisconsin fans. Given that most coaching hires are met with either unbridled enthusiasm or sky-is-falling angst, the understated but positive response in itself was telling.
The optimism comes in the form of Leonhard’s respected 10-year NFL career, as well his status as a University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Famer, three-time All-American and three-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree.