Paul Haynes joins the Badgers’ growing staff
Earlier today, the Wisconsin Badgers went to the rival Minnesota Golden Gophers for the newest addition to the coaching staff. Paul Haynes, who served as the Co-Defensive coordinator and corner backs coach, has joined the Badgers to serve under the same title.
Haynes was a former defensive quality control assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001. After stints with Ohio State, Michigan State, Louisville, and Arkansas, Haynes earned the job of Head Coach of Kent State in 2013. He served as Head Coach until 2017, finishing with a record of 14-45 before being fired.
Since being fired by Kent State, Haynes worked as a defensive backs coach for Michigan State and Minnesota. Following the 2021 season, Haynes was named the Co-Defensive coordinator for the Golden Gophers. The Badgers are 1-2 and scored 46 points against a proud secondary coached by Haynes.
A bright future ahead for the Badgers and Haynes?
Despite the inconsistency of Minnesota and P.J. Fleck‘s staff, Haynes has produced quality players. Benjamin St.-Juste is the gem of Haynes’ career after he was drafted in the third-round in 2021 to the Washington Commanders. Haynes has coached 16 NFL draft selections in the secondary, as well as two first-round selections.
Source confirms #Wisconsin is hiring Paul Haynes from rival #Minnesota for its defensive staff. Haynes served as Minnesota's co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach. Former head coach at Kent State. @mzenitz first.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 4, 2023
The Badgers have a younger secondary now with Max Lofy and Ricardo Hallman headlining the corner backs. Haynes will be given players he can mold to fit the defense. Not many non-coordinators are able to say that they can bring head coaching experience to a team. While Kent State wasn’t a success, Haynes has still displayed the ability to lead a program and motivate his players each day.
Luke Fickell has already created an impressive staff. Mike Tressel and Colin Hitschler are expected to join the Wisconsin Badgers staff to assist the former Cincinnati head coach in Madison. While it hasn’t been made official yet, Haynes will likely take over his same position. Given the current state and play from the secondary, Haynes guidance and experience will be needed to solidify the Badgers.
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