According to multiple reports, Badgers defensive coordinator turned interim head coach Jim Leonhard has decided to stay with the program after being passed up for the permanent head coaching job.
Last Sunday it was announced that the Wisconsin Badgers would be hiring Luke Fickell as head coach instead of Leonhard, who coached the team to a 4-3 record and ensured they would be bowl eligible for a 21st straight year. Leonhard was viewed as a frontrunner for the job before the surprise announcement of Fickell's hiring.
Many assumed that Leonhard would leave the program for a coaching job elsewhere after not getting the head coach job in Madison. Luke Fickell was open to keeping Leonhard on staff and offered him to stay, and it appears Leonhard has accepted the offer and will return as defensive coordinator.
Fickell went through a similar situation at Ohio State. He was named the interim head coach for the Buckeyes in 2011 after Jim Tressel was fired. After his season as the interim coach, Ohio State hired Urban Meyer, surpassing Fickell for the job and he stayed on as defensive coordinator for a few more years before leaving for the opportunity at Cincinnati.
This is a dream situation for Wisconsin as they're able to get the head coach they wanted in Fickell and were able to retain a great coach in Leonhard who also has the respect and love of the players on the roster.