MADISON, Wis. – In response to mounting performance concerns and a clear directive to reposition the program, head coach Luke Fickell announced a significant coaching-staff shake-up at Wisconsin. The move comes after a season of disappointing results and follows Fickell’s own acknowledgement that the program is “not where we need to be.”
Fickell addressed the media this morning, outlining the changes and the underlying rationale. He emphasized that, while he remains fully confident in many members of his staff, the decision to restructure parts of the coaching team was necessary to realign the program’s trajectory and better execute the vision he has for Wisconsin football.
“I have evaluated our football operations from top to bottom,” Fickell stated. “What we saw in recent weeks is simply not acceptable. Our players deserve better leadership, our alumni and fans deserve better representation, and our program deserves better results. Therefore, we are making structural changes to position us for long‐term success.”
Key Changes & Rationale
One of the most prominent changes involves the departure of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Phil Longo, who has been relieved of his duties. The Badgers’ offense has struggled significantly this season — ranking among the worst nationally in key metrics — and Fickell made clear that a change was unavoidable. According to official release, Longo served 23 games in the role, after arriving at Wisconsin in January 2023.
Fickell acknowledged Longo’s contributions but stated that the offense’s decline, including low scoring output and limited yardage gains, mandated new leadership. “Phil committed to helping build this program over the past two seasons,” Fickell said. “But the reality is, we are not where we need to be. I believe this decision is in the best interest of the team.”
In addition to the offensive staff change, Fickell is undertaking a broader reshuffling of his coaching and support personnel. Reports show that the program has engaged in a comprehensive review of position-coach roles, promotions from within, and new hires designed to bring fresh energy, accountability, and alignment with his coaching philosophy.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a replacement of a single coordinator. Fickell made clear that the performance issues go beyond one unit. “There is no easy, quick fix,” he said. “Switching one coach isn’t going to make a complete and total difference. This is something that must be done consistently — by a lot of people.”
The program’s offensive struggles have been well documented: low yardage totals, stalled drives, and an inability to finish in key moments. Fickell is placing responsibility on the structural side of the program: scheme, coaching, culture, and execution. While acknowledging that injuries and roster turnover play a role, he emphasized that they cannot be used as an excuse for under-performance.
What It Means for the Future
For the players, recruits, and fans of Wisconsin football, this moment serves as both an accountability checkpoint and a reset signal. Fickell is sending a message: the status quo is unacceptable, and changes are coming — whether that’s on the field, in the film room, or in the meeting rooms. He emphasized that his commitment to the university, the community, and the tradition of the Badgers is unwavering.
From a recruiting and retention standpoint, the leadership change sends a signal that the coaching staff will not be spared from scrutiny and that performance standards will be raised. The Badgers will now seek coordinators and position coaches who align with Fickell’s approach: physicality, tempo when needed, precision, and mental toughness.
Addressing Questions & Next Steps
Fickell acknowledged there are immediate challenges: identifying a successor for the offensive coordinator role, maintaining continuity during the transition, and ensuring the players remain focused amid change. He promised transparency and speed in the search process, but also cautioned patience. “We will move quickly,” he said, “but we will move correctly.”
Athletic director Chris McIntosh released a statement supporting Fickell’s leadership and the decision to move forward with the reshuffle. The administration reaffirmed its confidence in Fickell and pledged to provide the resources necessary to build sustained success.
Closing Remarks
“As we close out this season and begin the road ahead,” Fickell concluded, “we must remember who we are: Wisconsin football. We respond, we work, we compete. We embrace the standard of excellence that this program demands. I believe in our players. I believe in this staff. And because of that, I’m committed to doing everything in my power to restore the Badgers to where they belong.”
This restructuring marks a pivotal moment for the Wisconsin football program. It underscores the urgency of change, the high expectations within the Big Ten, and the unwavering commitment of Coach Fickell and his leadership team to build a program that once again competes at the highest level.
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