Leaman grew up in Centerville, Ohio, not playing hockey until he was a teenager.

[1] He attended SUNY Cortland, where he played on the hockey team, and graduated in 1997.

[2] After Mark Mazzoleni resigned as Harvard head coach in June 2004, Leaman was reported to be considered for the position.

[8] In September 2013, Leaman signed a contract extension with Providence through the 2020–21 season.

[9][10] In 2014–15, after leading Providence to winning the national championship, Leaman was named USCHO Coach of the Year.