Luke Fickell to Return as Wisconsin HC in 2026 Despite 2-6 Record, AD Says

Wisconsin has opened the season a disappointing 2-6, but head coach Luke Fickell isn't going anywhere.

Athletic director Chris McIntosh told ESPN's Pete Thamel that Fickell will return for the 2026 season.

"This season has caused us all to have to look from within," McIntosh said. "Luke has had to do that. I've had to do that. He has a willingness to be better. So do I, and so does Wisconsin from an institutional perspective."

Fickell is just 15-19 in this three seasons leading the Badgers after going 57-18 as the head coach of Cincinnati between the 2017-22 seasons. But McIntosh still believes in his ability to return Wisconsin to prominence.

"He has the vision and fire to do it," he told Thamel. "The same things that made Luke Fickell a unanimously great hire in 2022 remain. He's a winner, program builder and developer of talent and he understands the Big Ten."

The decision was likely aided by the fact that Fickell is under contract through the 2031 season, and firing him this season would left Wisconsin on the hook for $25 million. But McIntosh also promised to provide more investment into the football program.

"Chancellor (Jennifer) Mnookin and I are aligned on significantly elevating investment in our program to compete at highest level," he said. "We are willing to make an investment in infrastructure and staff. As important, is our ability to retain and recruit players in a revenue share and NIL era."

"If Wisconsin is going to be as competitive as we expect, the support has to be as competitive," he continued. "There's no getting around it. Our people, our fans are passionate about Wisconsin football. I'd have it no other way. A successful football program is important to university, the state and our lettermen."

Wisconsin hasn't won a Big Ten title since Bret Bielema led the Badgers to three straight between the 2010-12 seasons, though they have played in four Big Ten Championship Games in that time (one under Gary Andersen, three under Paul Chryst). Wisconsin has only had one losing season since 2002, which was last season under Fickell.

They are trending toward having a second consecutive losing season for the first time since they had eight consecutive losing seasons in 1985-92. So if he doesn't turn things around, and quickly, in 2026, the already-perturbed fans in Madison will be in an uproar.