He served as Ohio State’s interim head coach in 2011 when Jim Tressel resigned amid a high-profile scandal. How he could grow under Fickell: Fickell can relate to Leonhard in some ways because he has been in a similar position. That'll require him to weigh many of the same factors he did a few years ago. He passed on that opportunity, citing his passion for UW, developing college players and his family as reasons for that decision.īottom line: Leonhard will have options, some of which may be better than sticking around. Remember: the Green Bay Packers offered him their defensive coordinator job in 2020. Perhaps he's offered an opportunity to gain head coaching experience elsewhere, or maybe he waits for NFL jobs that open after the season. Other opportunities: Leonhard's success at Wisconsin has already made him an attractive name for other programs (and an NFL team) around the country. Leonhard would need to evaluate whether staying would make it more difficult for players to move on and embrace a new message. They publicly campaigned for him through the media, and some expressed disappointment on social media upon hearing Fickell had been hired. Most, if not all, players in that locker room wanted Leonhard to get the job. But it's also fair to wonder if his presence could impede Fickell's efforts to establish a culture. He played at UW, knows what has made the program successful in the past and has ideas on how it can evolve. The players: Aside from his ability as a coordinator/coach, there are other benefits to keeping Leonhard on staff. If that's the case, why would Leonhard settle for being a position coach or sharing responsibilities after a successful run as one of the top coordinators in college football? ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported Tuesday that Fickell would like to bring UC defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and co-defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler with him to UW. Leonhard will also need to consider what his role would be. Our job is to come in here, adapt, adjust, and enhance what it is that we've got." They've done an unbelievable job of what's been created here. We would be out of our minds to think that you come in and just completely scrap and change something just like a culture. "What they have done has done a phenomenal job. "I think that's what I've learned, as much as anything over my time, is the ability to adapt and adjust, not just to your guys, but also to what you need to do to be successful. "If you really studied us for what we have done, we've adapted and adjusted to whatever we need to do," Fickell said. Fickell told reporters Monday that he hasn't yet been able to "envision" what he wants to do regarding the scheme but is willing to adjust if necessary. Leonhard, who became defensive coordinator in 2017, ran a 3-4 and incorporated a nickel package, which featured a 2-4-5 look. Luke Fickell's scheme and what his role on the staff would be: Fickell ran a 3-3-5 defense at Cincinnati (three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs). Badger247 takes a look at some of the things he may need to think about: If Leonhard has the option to stay, he would need to consider several factors. They plan to reconvene at some point Wednesday. His units consistently ranked among the nation's best, making him a popular name for other big-time jobs around the country.įickell said he spoke with Leonhard when he arrived in Madison Sunday. He returned to UW as defensive backs coach in 2016 and became defensive coordinator a year later. Leonhard played for the Badgers from 2001-04 and went from a walk-on to a three-time All-American safety before a 10-year NFL career. There are a lot of options that are open.” I am very open to picking his brain on a lot of things. “Definitely, I am,” Fickell, who comes to UW after six seasons as Cincinnati’s head coach, said when asked if he’s considering approaching Leonhard on joining his staff. He had been the favorite to land the job until Sunday's surprising developments, which left many pondering a complicated question: Will Fickell consider keeping Leonhard on his staff? It had to do with the man who really wanted his new job.įickell, the 31st head football coach in Wisconsin history, faced questions about Jim Leonhard, who led the Badgers as interim head coach this season after UW officials fired Paul Chryst in October. One of the hottest topics at Monday's momentous press conference did not have anything to do with Luke Fickell.
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