Luke Fickell releases statement on addition of Matt Mitchell to Wisconsin coaching staff

Wisconsin has made it official. Former Division II head coach Matt Mitchell has joined Luke Fickell’s staff to coach outside linebackers and special teams.

Mitchell was highly successful at Grand Valley State, going 117-31 over 12 seasons and guiding the team to 7 NCAA DII Playoff appearances, 2 NCAA DII National Semifinal appearances, 3 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships, 3 GLIAC North Division titles, and 2 undefeated regular seasons. That success impressed Fickell.

“I was fired up that we were able to add Matt to the staff,” Fickell said in a team release. “He is a great coach with tremendous experience. What his teams at Grand Valley State accomplished is very impressive. I’ve gotten to know him through his relationship with Coach (Mike) Tressel and I am confident he will be a good fit on our staff and in this program.”

Mitchell expressed similar admiration for Fickell’s success as an FBS coach.

“Coach Fickell has a proven track record of success and has assembled a championship level staff. That, in combination with the tradition and enhancements being made at Wisconsin, has me excited for the future of this program.” – Coach Mitchell pic.twitter.com/Aa17Ztitvs

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 23, 2023

Mitchell’s hiring was reported earlier this month and made official Monday.

Welcome to Madison, coach Mitchell!#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/A4nyo2R9ng

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 23, 2023

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.