THE TRANSFER PORTAL – BIGGER THAN EVER
By Pete Donovan, The Lott IMPACT Trophy
HEAD COACHES? – Both DeMeco Ryans (2005 winner from Alabama) and Jim Leonhard (2004 Finalist from Wisconsin) look to be positioning themselves for head coaching jobs sooner than later.
Ryans is the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, a unit that held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to just 10 points in the playoffs. Leonhard is the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Wisconsin, a unit that held opponents to 64.8 yards rushing per game, breaking 70-year-old school record and leading the nation.
Both men are hugely popular and considered rising stars in the coaching profession. Ryans has been interviewed for the head coaching job in Minnesota.
Ryans, 37 and the father of three, is in his first season as coordinator in San Francisco. Following his All-American career at Alabama, he was a terrific NFL player in Houston and Philadelphia, being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and making the Pro Bowl twice.
Leonhard, 39 and also the father of three, was undrafted, but played 10 years in the NFL. He’s in his fifth season as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin.
Both men are on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Board of Advisors.
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