The Wisconsin Badgers deviated from tradition and hired Luke Fickell as head coach. In the past, it was been the norm of Wisconsin to hire head coaches that have prior ties to the university. Many believed this would be the case again following the firing of coach Paul Chryst midseason. Jim Leonhard, who went to Wisconsin and has been named one of the best coordinators in the NCAA, took over as interim head coach and led the Badgers to a 6-6 record. To say that it was a shock that Leonhard was not retained as coach would be an understatement. However, the hiring of Fickell shows that Wisconsin desires to take the program to a championship level. Still, many feel badly for how things have ended for Leonhard. That being said, it may not be the end after all.
Luke Fickell Would Consider Keeping Leonhard on Staff
In his first press conference as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, Luke Fickell was asked if would consider keeping Jim Leonhard on his staff. Fickell has already announced that he is bringing several of his Cincinnati coaches with him to Wisconsin. Would there even be room for Leonhard? Fickell, however, sounds very interested in retaining Leonhard as his defensive coordinator.
Luke Fickell on if he'd consider keeping Jim Leonhard on staff:
"Definitely, I am."#Badgers pic.twitter.com/lN0o89cObR
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) November 29, 2022
Of course, the question is whether or not Leonhard would be willing to stay after being passed over as head coach. If he is willing to stay, it would benefit the program in two ways. First, some players who may have left due to Leonhard not being named coach may decide to stay. Second, it would ensure that one of the best defensive coordinators in the country would remain in Wisconsin.
If Jim Leonhard does decide to stay, it would be the best thing for the program.
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1 Comment
Luke Fickell is a class act type guy. He was passed over as an interm coach at Ohio State. Replaced with Ryan Day. One door closed “OSU” and now two more have open. I have no doubt Fickell will treat the situation with respect and honor. It will most likely come down to “IF” Leonard wants to stay. Seems like an all star cast in the works. Why miss out on the career opportunities to stay?