Luke Fickell hot seat: AD releases statement on Wisconsin coach's job, investment

Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh released a message to Badger fans amid struggles with the football program under Luke Fickell. He voiced his support for the head coach and additional financial investment in Wisconsin football.

“On Saturday at Camp Randall, I was honored to join my former Rose Bowl champion teammates and coaches on the field as the University community celebrated our collective successes,” McIntosh’s statement read in part. “It is with those experiences, along with my love and deep respect for our university, that I share in the disappointment with this football season to date; it has fallen well short of our standards.

“At Wisconsin, we do not shy away from setting lofty expectations – for our teams, our coaches, and for myself. We embrace them and accept the responsibility of meeting those goals.”

Wisconsin fell to 2-5 under Fickell this season following a 34-0 loss to Ohio State. He is 15-18 since taking over the program in late 2022 during the team’s bowl game win three years ago.

“While our coaches, staff and student-athletes continue to demonstrate the work ethic and values that represent UW Football, the results simply are not where any of us want them to be,” McIntosh said. “Coach Fickell sees the potential in what this team can be, as do I, and he shares the same disappointment and frustration. Our student-athletes continue to stand and fight with character and pride as they battle through this moment of adversity, and they deserve all our support.”

In addition to standing behind Fickell, McIntosh noted the significant financial investment into the program. That’s the reality of college football in 2025.

“While we still have a lot of football to play this season, with the support and significant involvement of Chancellor Mnookin, Athletics is committed to elevating the investment into our football program to position us to compete at the highest level,” McIntosh said. “As a department, we must provide our coaches the tools necessary to succeed. That means more Athletics-funded investments into infrastructure, staffing and, most importantly, student-athlete recruiting and retention …

You have my unrelenting commitment to do what is necessary to make that happen. Thank you for dedication, loyalty and passion.”