Wisconsin Badgers to keep Luke Fickell as head coach in 2026 with increased financials
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We are just getting into November, and it's already been one of the wildest coaching carousels in recent memory for college football. With a handful of premiere jobs already open due to firings, there is speculation that many more could come before all is said and done.
The Wisconsin Badgers were one school that many anticipated could make a change in the coming weeks or months, with Luke Fickell having been on the hot seat for quite some time. Fickell is 15-19 in his four years with the Badgers, but despite that, a report came out on Thursday that Wisconsin is planning to keep him around for the 2026 season, and increase their financial investment into the football program.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, athletic director Chris McIntosh has given his full support of Fickell, and said that the university will not be making a change this offseason.
"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."
Rumors of this outcome have been circulating for a few weeks now, particularly with mass firings occurring across the sport. While Fickell has not yet experienced success at Camp Randall, he has consistently been a well-regarded coach, particularly after leading the Cincinnati Bearcats to the College Football Playoff in 2021.
The Badgers have lost six consecutive games, and need to win out in order to reach bowl eligibility this season. However, should that not happen, it appears that Fickell is not in danger of getting kicked to the curb. As for his long-term future in Madison, we shall see what happens.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers to keep Luke Fickell as head coach in 2026
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