When Athletic Director Chris McIntosh shocked the fanbase and hired Luke Fickell to become the Wisconsin Badgers head football coach in November 2022, it sparked a sense of optimism among the fanbase, signaling a potential turning point for the program.
The Wisconsin Badgers managed to secure a consensus top-15 head coach with a track record of success in building programs. During his time at Cincinnati, Fickell notably led a Group of Five team to the playoffs.
The decision to bring Fickell aboard was a clear indication of Wisconsin’s desire for a fresh approach after parting ways with former head coach Paul Chryst.