BREAKING: Wisconsin Badgers Announce Major Coaching Reshuffle Under Luke Fickell

BREAKING: Wisconsin Badgers Announce Major Coaching Reshuffle Under Luke Fickell

Madison, WI — In a stunning development within Big Ten football circles, the Wisconsin Badgers have confirmed a sweeping coaching reshuffle under head coach Luke Fickell, signaling a fresh direction for a program under mounting pressure. The changes come amid growing scrutiny over the team’s performance this season and after high-profile losses that have reignited debates about the program’s direction.

According to the official announcement by the University of Wisconsin’s athletic department, multiple significant staff changes will take effect immediately, especially on the offensive side of the ball. These changes reflect Fickell’s determination to reclaim the identity and competitiveness that once defined Badgers football.

What’s Changing: Staff Moves & Philosophical Shift

Central to the shakeup is the dismissal of longtime offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Phil Longo, a move that had been foreshadowed in internal circles. Fickell acknowledged that the decision stemmed from broader concerns about Wisconsin’s offensive stagnation, saying, “We are not where we need to be.”

In his place, the Badgers have reportedly targeted Jeff Grimes, formerly of Kansas, to lead the offensive resurgence. Grimes’ track record in producing potent rushing attacks and efficient passing games is viewed as a strong fit for a program aiming to revive its physical, run-first philosophy.

To complement the new offense, Fickell is also promoting Kenny Guiton from wide receivers coach to quarterbacks coach. Guiton brings experience both as a former Ohio State quarterback and as a rising positional coach within the Badgers’ staff.

Other appointments include Jordan Reid as wider receivers coach (arriving from Western Michigan), Blake Rolan as Reid’s assistant, and Joe Ludwig taking on a support role with tight ends. On defense, with safeties coach Alex Grinch having departed, Jack Cooper is being elevated to oversee the secondary, assisted by Scott Power. The linebackers’ room will see Tuf Borland move up from graduate assistant to assistant linebackers coach.

These changes mark one of the most aggressive staff overhauls Wisconsin has seen since the Fickell era began in late 2022.

Why Now? Mounting Pressure & Changing Expectations

The timing is hardly surprising. Wisconsin endured a turbulent 2024 season with a 5–7 record — the program’s first losing campaign since the early 2000s under Paul Chryst’s tenure. That slide has translated into growing unrest among the fan base and observers alike.

Following a disappointing Week 3 loss to Maryland, fans chanted “Fire Fickell,” and media criticism surged.
 In response, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Fickell, urging a collective response to adversity.
Former athletic director Barry Alvarez also defended the coach, criticizing fans for their impatience and calling their chants “disloyal.”

Moreover, insiders point to the loss of offensive identity — once the hallmark of Wisconsin — as a central factor fueling the reshuffle. Under Longo, the Badgers’ offense struggled to maintain a consistent ground game or vertical threat.
Now, Fickell appears intent on reclaiming a more balanced but physically dominant blueprint moving forward.
Fickell’s Tenure Under the Microscope

Luke Fickell arrived in Madison in late 2022, replacing longtime coach Paul Chryst. From day one, he framed his hiring as the ushering in of a new era for Badger football.
The administration rewarded early faith in his leadership with a one-year contract extension earlier this year, pushing his term through 2032.
However, the extension has done little to slow critiques of his performance, particularly as the program appears to have regressed under his stewardship.

Fickell has built a reputation as a developer of talent and a steady hand, but the Big Ten landscape is evolving fast — with new power programs entering the conference and competition stiffening.
Some analysts believe these internal changes could be make-or-break for Fickell’s long-term standing in Madison.
What’s Next: Expectations, Challenges & Opportunities

The Badgers’ 2025 schedule promises no easy reprieve. To regain bowl eligibility and restore momentum, Wisconsin must quickly assimilate its new system, reestablish identity, and generate consistency on both sides of the ball.

At press time, there is no firm date announced for Grimes’ formal introduction; speculation suggests an announcement could come within the week.
Meanwhile, players, recruits, and fans will be watching closely to see whether this shakeup delivers immediate improvement — or merely postpones deeper structural questions about the Fickell era.

One thing is clear: this is more than just a staff realignment. It’s a signal that the Badgers are recalibrating — trying to reconcile past glories with the demands of an evolving college football landscape. Whether the new approach yields a turnaround or simply buys more time for Fickell remains to be seen.