Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh put an end to speculation about Luke Fickell’s future on Thursday, announcing that the embattled head coach will remain in charge of the Badgers through 2026 and beyond.
“I can see a path forward,” McIntosh told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I can see a plan that we can execute and I can see a way for us to be successful and competitive in ’26 and beyond.”
Fickell’s job security had been the subject of increasing scrutiny amid one of the worst stretches in Wisconsin football history. The Badgers sit at 2-6 overall and winless in the Big Ten play, having dropped 11 straight games to Power Four opponents. The third-year coach owns a 15-19 record at UW and has faced heavy criticism from fans.
McIntosh’s decision brings clarity ahead of the early signing period in December, when Wisconsin is set to lock in its 2026 recruiting class. The AD emphasized that stability is key for both current players and future recruits.
“I owe it to our players, our recruits and our fans to put an end to the speculation,” McIntosh said.
Fickell, earning $7.8 million this season, remains one of the Big Ten’s highest-paid coaches, according to USA TODAY Sports. McIntosh said the decision wasn’t about money, but about belief in Fickell’s vision and competitiveness.
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