I really got a kick out of the amusing and always sympathetic character of Leonard Kraleman. Even though he only appeared in two eps, he was very enjoyable, and wonderfully portrayed by Rob Schneider. No matter how successful he's been as Deuce Bigelow, the Animal, or the Hot Chick, to me, Rob's best work was Leonard. After Hayden hired Leonard as his "tactical consultant", I was kind of hoping we'd see him from time to time. Did anybody feel the same way about this character? Would you like to have seen him maybe once or twice per season?

Hayden: You know more about my team than I do!
Leonard: Well I don't have your coaching instinct or motivational skills, but I've got technical mumbo jumbo up the wazoo.

Way to go, Leonard!

I never thought about it, but yes, he would have been a great recurring character. I recall that, "I've got technical mumbo jumbo up the wazoo" quote. That episode was so funny, especially when he came back from football practice in shambles. It was evident that Rob Schneider had great comedic talent. He was a hoot on SNL with the 'making copies' skit.
One of the good things about Coach is how they kept the cast small from start to finish. Still, twice a year would have been ideal for a Leonard Kraleman cameo.

I was surprised that Leonard was not made a recurring character since he seemed to be set up to be one after Coach offers to make him the team's computer guru. Do you remember he made the prediction that the Screaming Eagles would go to the Pineapple Bowl in Hawaii in that episode? I believe the Pineapple Bowl episode was shown the next season.

Hello major, it's nice to hear your thoughts about Leonard. And yes, you're right. Leonard predicted the Pineapple Bowl, and next season the Eagles went to compete in it. I totally agree with you. It seemed like they were setting Leonard up as a recurring character. Oh well, it would have been fun to see him more.

Originally posted by major
I was surprised that Leonard was not made a recurring character since he seemed to be set up to be one after Coach offers to make him the team's computer guru. Do you remember he made the prediction that the Screaming Eagles would go to the Pineapple Bowl in Hawaii in that episode? I believe the Pineapple Bowl episode was shown the next season.
That's a good point Major. They did seem to be setting him up as a semi-regular cast member. My guess is that the original plan was to have Leonard as a recurring character, but Rob Schneider's star was on the rise, and there must have been scheduling conflicts.
I checked IMDB.com, and Rob appeared on Coach in March of 1990 and February of 1991.
He's also listed as a writer for SNL from 1989 to 1992, and as a cast member from 1990 to 1994. Various other projects were listed as well during this time period.
It appears Coach fell smack in the middle of his SNL days where he was doing double-duty as a writer and cast member, so he had to make a choice. It turns out he made the right decision as SNL put him on the map.
It was nice having him on Coach though, and I look forward to his second appearance as I've only seen one.

Imagine if Leonard was around for the National Championship at the Alamo Bowl. Suppose instead of Luther he is the one who discovers the opposing player telegraphing the next play and tries to relay the information to Coach, but no one listens to him because he is just the computer geek. Finally, Luther notices what Leonard is talking about and let's Hayden know. The Screaming Eagles win the National Championship and Leonard is carried off the field by the team.

I am sure the writers could have come up with something better, but that seemed to be an episode which would have been tailor made for Leonard.

Originally posted by major
I am sure the writers could have come up with something better, but that seemed to be an episode which would have been tailor made for Leonard.
I think you did just fine on your own Major. I haven't even seen the Alamo Bowl episode, but I can certainly visualize it, thanks to you.
Leonard would have been perfect in that episode. I can see him being carted off the field hero style. :)

Janice, from your previous posts, I'm assuming you saw the ep where Leonard tries to make the football team and almost drops out of school. If I'm correct, then you saw Leonard's second appearance. His first appearance isn't anything too exciting. It's still funny, but it's just a small cameo in the ep where Dr. Tewksbury forces Hayden to teach an ancient history course. Leonard enrolls in the course and is totally out of place because Hayden purposely packs the class with football players. Leonard's hair is much different, almost a bit Elvisesque, if you can believe it.

Best exchange in the episode:

Hayden: What are you doing here?
Leonard: Taking this course, sir.
Hayden: Why?
Leonard: Because everybody has to take two courses in Humanities, and I signed up for this one.

Hayden: Well, get outta here.

Hayden, what a charmer you are!:crazy: