"Leonhard's approach centers on earned trust. His belief is simple, coaching has to begin with individuals, not the system. That matters to me because the Cowboys' defense needs more than a playbook. It needs a voice that can connect with them without losing authority. Some of the best coaches I have seen are the ones who are honest about growth being messy, uncomfortable, and imperfect. Leonhard doesn't run from that truth, and I appreciate it."
"He has talked about the difference between coaching in the NFL and college. In the NFL, you work with players who already understand the foundation. That means you get to build on experience, spend more time preparing for opponents, and invest more energy into communication and development. All of this stands out to me, because Dallas has defenders who don't need to be taught from scratch, they need to be elevated from where they are now."
"Leonhard built his defenses around NFL 3-4 principles when he was at Wisconsin. I have seen his fronts ask interior defenders to control gaps, constrict the run, and collapse lanes, while linebackers become playmakers instead of watchers. For the Cowboys, that brings me to DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown isn't a traditional linebacker. He plays like a defensive back, hits like a downhill linebacker, and has instincts that allow him t"
The Cowboys defense requires clarity, flexibility, and instruction to elevate existing talent. Jim Leonhard emphasizes coaching individuals first, earning trust, and developing players rather than installing a rigid system. He applies NFL-modeled 3-4 principles that ask interior defenders to control gaps, constrict the run, and collapse lanes while turning linebackers into playmakers who can disguise pressure. Those principles align with DeMarvion Overshown’s hybrid skill set, combining cover instincts with downhill physicality. Leonhard’s NFL experience prioritizes building on players’ foundations, detailed opponent preparation, and communication to produce a more disruptive, adaptable front.
Read at Inside The Star
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