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Former University of Wisconsin safety Jim Leonhard has been hired as the Badgers' defensive backs coach, the university announced on Saturday

Leonhard will replace Daronte Jones, who left UW earlier this month to take an assistant defensive backs coach position with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

Leonhard, 33, began his Badgers career as a walk-on in 2001 and went on to play 10 years in the NFL before retiring after the 2014 season.

He does not have any prior coaching experience.

“I'm very appreciative to have Jim join our coaching staff,” head coach Paul Chryst said. “I'm excited for our players and coaches to be able to work with him and learn from him. What makes Jim special is his desire to teach, to help young men grow and to develop them to reach their full potential. He has a tremendous love and appreciation for the University of Wisconsin and our football program.

“Jim has always been a part of our Wisconsin family and I'm looking forward to him impacting this program in a new role.”

The Badgers open spring practice on March 12 and the annual spring game will kick off at noon on April 23.

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