The Badgers top coaches have real pressure to improve in 2025.
The Wisconsin Badgers have not been up to standard over the first two years of the Luke Fickell era, going 12-13 across both seasons and missing a bowl game for the first time in 22 years.
2024 was a disaster, as the Badgers lost five consecutive games to end the season, finishing with a 5-7 record that included blowout losses to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Iowa Hawkeyes.
Now, the team is looking to pivot to 2025, bringing in a number of players on the defensive side of the ball in the transfer portal, as they hoped to get older to compete in the Big Ten.
Defensively, Wisconsin really struggled against the run last year. So, they made a scheme change up front and recruited players that fit the new mold, with outside linebackers now creeping up in that 280-300 pound range to set the edge up front.
That’s been a change from any part of the Mike Tressel era, as the Badgers defensive coordinator has tried to win in space, initially trying out a 3-2-6 in his first season with the team before adjusting to better match his personnel.
Fickell has proven he will make the requisite changes on his coaching staff, as seen best when the team fired Phil Longo and hired Jeff Grimes as the offensive coordinator. But, he is giving Tressel a third year at Wisconsin.
That leads us to one of our mailbag questions of the week (adjusted for clarity):
TampaBadgerFan: I think any levelheaded Badger fan would agree that, barring a 2-3 win disastrous season, Luke Fickell will see 2026. But, what if we win 5-6 games and the defense is an absolute disaster once again and Fickell refuses to make a change at DC? Would that cost him his job? I fear his close relationship to Tressel means he’ll be willing to “go down with the ship” before firing a good friend.
Good question. Let’s unpack it all.
First, on the front of 2026, I do think Fickell sees a fourth year no matter what, just strictly due to the financials of the seven-year deal he signed. But, the Badgers have also gone through the past few years with Fickell’s key success coming from recruiting. Wisconsin will want to see that through in 2026 and 2027, and they won’t be able to if Fickell is fired.
Second, I do think Fickell has proven he’ll make the necessary changes. He fired Longo, and has really seemed to do well with his other hires.
AJ Blazek has been a revelation as the offensive line coach after Wisconsin moved on from Jack Bicknell Jr., both on the field and with recruiting.
Jordan Reid is having a stellar first offseason as the wide receivers coach, with his relationship being a paramount part of Zion Legree’s recruitment. There’s also the matter of four-star Jayden Petit still being in the mix for Wisconsin.
Jack Cooper has been a known elevation, as he’s a hard worker on the field as a hands-on coach, and is also making his mark as a recruiter.
Fickell also isn’t afraid to bring in experienced voices. Many of his assistant hires have strong experience. Casey Rabach has a strong offensive line background. Scott Power was a defensive coordinator at Western Michigan. Blake Rolan was the offensive coordinator at Southern Illinois. And Matt Mitchell was a former head coach at Grand Valley State.
The Badgers are hoping their new scheme better fits their goals. But, I think if a move is needed, Fickell will make a switch at defensive coordinator, especially if Wisconsin wins only three games this season and are porous on that side of the field.