Luke Fickell reveals Jim Leonhard's mindset regarding Wisconsin's DC position
Luke Fickell may not have his DC position wrapped up after all. Fickell said that Jim Leonhard has not made a decision on returning to Madison as the defensive coordinator yet, per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
It was reported Saturday that Leonhard was planning on returning to Madison in the role. Fickell emphasized how the door is open for Leonhard.
“I definitely opened the door for Jim to be here,” Fickell said. “He’s trying to weigh the options.”
#Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said earlier today that Jim Leonhard hasn’t decided whether he will return to the staff for 2023. “I definitely opened the door for Jim to be here,” Fickell said. “He’s trying to weigh the options.”
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 5, 2022
While Leonhard can’t return as a head coach there is still a chance he could come back as the defensive coordinator. Leonhard helped lead Wisconsin to a bowl game after a poor 2-3 start to the year.
If what Fickell says is true, the role is Leonhard’s if the former Wisconsin interim HC wants it.
Before worrying about who will be on Fickell’s staff Wisconsin still has to play Oklahoma State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 27. That game kicks off at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.