"Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell will return to coach the Badgers in 2026, athletic director Chris McIntosh told ESPN on Thursday. With Wisconsin 2-6 overall and winless in Big Ten play, McIntosh is informing the Wisconsin team on Thursday that Fickell will return as head coach next year. The return will come with changes, which include increased investment in the roster and program, along with an ongoing analysis of every facet of the program."
"Along with supporting Fickell, McIntosh pledges to support the program more financially to return the Badgers to contention in the Big Ten. "If Wisconsin is going to be as competitive as we expect, the support has to be as competitive," McIntosh said. "There's no getting around it. Our people, our fans are passionate about Wisconsin football. I'd have it no other way. A successful football program is important to university, the state and our lettermen.""
Luke Fickell will return as Wisconsin head coach in 2026. Wisconsin is 2-6 overall and winless in Big Ten play. The return will include increased investment in the roster, infrastructure, and staff plus an ongoing analysis of every facet of the program. Institutional plans emphasize retaining and recruiting players within the revenue-share and NIL era. Fickell is 15-19 in three seasons and his contract runs through 2031; firing now would have produced a buyout exceeding $25 million. Leadership intends to elevate financial and program support to return the team to Big Ten contention.
Read at ESPN.com
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