2022 Wisconsin Season Thread

[JWilly86]

Good for the Wisconsin AD going big game hunting against the hometown sentiment of hiring Leonhard. I never viewed the unquestioning support of Leonhard as more than a localized, forced fixation to turn Leonhard into a hometown hero. We’ve seen this play out before to mixed results – where the feel good story is favored above sounder hiring considerations, whether it works out or not. Griffey Jr to the Reds, Patrick Ewing to Georgetown, and giving George Lucas full control of the prequels, for example.

I think this sums it up incredibly well, everyone at Wisconsin understandably (and should) loves Leonard; McIntosh's job is to hire the best coach he can get, not make the sentimental choice.

One thing that is not up for discussion: it's Chris McIntosh's show now. Anything that King Barry built, personnel-wise, is gone.

As it should be, you can't hire the guy and not give him control. It's terrifying for UW, we still have to hope the success of the program survives past the KB decades.

[847badgerfan]

Posted today. 




Looks like CLF is cleaning house.

[FearlessF]

I guess, with D-coordinator on the list

perhaps Leonhard was hurt by being passed over and didn't want to come back as D-coordinator

[847badgerfan]

Some were speculating that since Luke Fickell did it for Urban that JL might do it for Fickel.

Big difference. Both are defensive guys. Urbs let Fickel run with the D, pretty much solo.

I just hope he doesn't bring too much with him to Madison, from Cincy (or even the Youngstown clan).

[FearlessF]

too much philosophy or too many people (staff) or both

[medinabuckeye1]

Just saw the Fickell news. Well good luck Wisconsin and Fickell. He's been great in Cincy!

[MrNubbz]

If he wasn't planning on hiring JL from the start, he should have kept PC and let the season tank. They'd have two more losses than they do already.

A month ot two back you were pretty sure it would be JL and I figured it was a good move also - what moved them off Leonhard do you think?

[MrNubbz]

Some were speculating that since Luke Fickell did it for Urban that JL might do it for Fickel.

Big difference. Both are defensive guys. Urbs let Fickel run with the D, pretty much solo.

I just hope he doesn't bring too much with him to Madison, from Cincy (or even the Youngstown clan).

He's a Columbus guy grew up and played ball there,all Ohio and a wrestling champion also

[SFBadger96]

Pretty sure the Leonhard to Fickell pivot was as simple as Fickell wasn't interested at first, then he was. When you have the chance to hire that guy, you do, even if it means a hard choice to pass over a sentimental favorite.

All the reporting seemed to think UW was planning to hire Leonhard. There's every reason to believe that was what they thought...until Fickell expressed interest.

He may not work out; Leonhard may become a superstar (and may never forgive McIntosh for passing him over), but the decision isn't hard to understand.

Reasonably confident it had absolutely nothing to do with the backup quarterback not getting the offense to execute on 1st and goal from the five at the end of the Minnesota game.

[847badgerfan]

Pretty sure the Leonhard to Fickell pivot was as simple as Fickell wasn't interested at first, then he was. When you have the chance to hire that guy, you do, even if it means a hard choice to pass over a sentimental favorite.

All the reporting seemed to think UW was planning to hire Leonhard. There's every reason to believe that was what they thought...until Fickell expressed interest.

He may not work out; Leonhard may become a superstar (and may never forgive McIntosh for passing him over), but the decision isn't hard to understand.

Reasonably confident it had absolutely nothing to do with the backup quarterback not getting the offense to execute on 1st and goal from the five at the end of the Minnesota game.

No question about that.

[bayareabadger]

Posted today.




Looks like CLF is cleaning house.

Feels surprising unless he already knows who will get the jobs.

You'd have to assume Jimmy is too proud to stick around and has too many good options, and I wouldn't blame him.

Not sure how to feel about it, but Fickell already is a good coach, so he should do will (Jimmy will be a very good coach, and I imagine the admin could come back begging him to return if this doesn't work). 

[847badgerfan]

If this doesn't work, Mac is gone too. Especially if he can't get M hockey and WBB fixed.

[FearlessF]

yup, same with Trev

[847badgerfan]

Also, people seem to forget that despite JL being a great former player and great DC, Mac has some great history too.

Mac played in and won two Rose Bowls and was an All-American himself. He's no slouch when it comes to football.