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Wisconsin AD voices support for embattled coach Luke Fickell

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Luke Fickell’s job security has been in question as Wisconsin has lost its last 5 games, but the embattled Badgers coach still has the support of his athletic director.

Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh released a statement on Monday acknowledging frustrations but maintaining support for Fickell.

“On Saturday at Camp Randall, I was honored to join my former Rose Bowl champion teammates and coaches on the field as the University community celebrated our collective successes,” McIntosh’s statement opens. “My years as a student-athlete at Wisconsin were among the best of my life; I loved my teammates and coaches, our passionate fans and the joy that Wisconsin Football brings to our campus and entire community. It is with those experiences, along with my love and deep respect for our university, that I share in the disappointment with this football season to date; it has fallen well short of our standards.

“At Wisconsin, we do not shy away from setting lofty expectations – for our teams, our coaches, and for myself. We embrace them and accept the responsibility of meeting those goals. While our coaches, staff and student-athletes continue to demonstrate the work ethic and values that represent UW Football, the results simply are not where any of us want them to be. Coach Fickell sees the potential in what this team can be, as do I, and he shares the same disappointment and frustration. Our student-athletes continue to stand and fight with character and pride as they battle through this moment of adversity, and they deserve all our support.”

McIntosh’s statement included a commitment to increase investment in the football program.

“While we still have a lot of football to play this season, with the support and significant involvement of Chancellor Mnookin, Athletics is committed to elevating the investment into our football program to position us to compete at the highest level,” McIntosh’s statement continued. ” As a department, we must provide our coaches the tools necessary to succeed. That means more Athletics-funded investments into infrastructure, staffing and, most importantly, student-athlete recruiting and retention. In this new era of collegiate athletics, the clear reality is that high expectations must be matched with an equal level of support.

“The results of this elevated support may not be immediate, but we are confident that the impact will be positive and long-term. Wisconsin Football and Wisconsin Athletics are important to our campus, to our community, to our entire state and to all our loyal fans and alumni. They matter deeply to Chancellor Mnookin, who has been a strong partner since her arrival in Madison. And they matter to me. I bleed red and white, and I will not rest in the pursuit of our goals: fielding championship-caliber teams and delivering the pride and joy of success to a new generation of Badgers. You have my unrelenting commitment to do what is necessary to make that happen. Thank you for your dedication, loyalty and passion. ON, WISCONSIN!”

Fickell took the Wisconsin job in November 2022 and made his debut that postseason, replacing interim coach Jim Leonhard. In his first full season leading the Badgers, Fickell notched a 7-6 record. UW went 5-7 last season, missing out on the postseason. With the 2-5 start, Fickell’s record with the Badgers is currently 15-18.

Andrew Olson

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