Home / Sports / Fickell Opts Out of Extension, Bets on 2026 Badger Success
Fickell Opts Out of Extension, Bets on 2026 Badger Success
5 Feb
Summary
- Luke Fickell requested no contract extension from the athletic board.
- Wisconsin football has experienced consecutive losing seasons recently.
- The coach is fully focused on achieving success in the 2026 campaign.
Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell has opted out of receiving a customary one-year contract extension from the university's athletic board. This decision, made at Fickell's request, underscores his commitment to improving the team's performance and achieving success in the 2026 season. His current contract remains in effect through March 2032.
Fickell's tenure has seen consecutive losing seasons, a streak not experienced by Wisconsin football since the early 1990s. Despite these results, Athletic Director Chris McIntosh expressed full support for the coach, noting Fickell's intense competitiveness and high personal standards. The university plans to increase investment in infrastructure, staff, and roster development to aid the program's resurgence.
Other coaches, including volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield and soccer coaches Paula Wilkins and Neil Jones, did receive their one-year extensions, keeping their contracts at five years. McIntosh reiterated his confidence in Fickell's ability to implement necessary changes and lead the team toward football success, aligning with campus leadership's commitment.
