I know Wisconsin has always tried to emulate the Osborne-era Huskers as much as possible. But their mishandling of Leonhard seems more like post-Osborne Nebraska. Potentially fracturing their athletic department and fan base seems like a bold strategy. Let’s see if it pays off for them.
The Wisconsin Blindside
- Thread starter Charlie Marlow_rivals363743
- Start date
If it is post-Osborne Nebraska they made the right choice. Everybody may love Jimmy (Franky S.) but it looks like they made have made the correct decision to move on to the better coach.
Fickell is probably the better coach. But the way it was handled would be the issue.
Fickell starts losing to Nebraska. Fans will have a long term recollection of how that’s not supposed to happen.
Very Pederson like. Chryst didn’t have the staff issues that Frank did or at least we haven’t heard of them. You think it would have made the web if Chryst had impregnated one of his college age office secretaries not to mention the drug and alcohol issues on Franks staff. Wonder if any of Chryst’s staff was banging any players’ wives?
Possibly, but unlikely. As Purdue, IL, MN (and us) improve, Wisconsins job is that much tougher. WI suddenly becomes Iowa-esque, with about 5 losses per year. That won't sit well.
Dang it. Such a lost opportunity that we couldn't get the W against the Badgers this year. With their regime change we might be on equal footing with them next year and maybe get another W? Two wins in a row vs Wisconsin would have been SO sweet.
After making the CFP, Fickell landed the 44th ranked recruiting class …….. we’ll see how that works out for him at Wisconsin.
The problem I see is we only "know" how it was handled by the media reports. Who knows if they are true or not.
Were they using a search firm as well?
One thing is certain, there are going to be lots of changes in the appearance of Wisconsin FB.
Were they using a search firm as well?
One thing is certain, there are going to be lots of changes in the appearance of Wisconsin FB.
YikesI feel like Wisconsin, and to lesser extent Iowa, really took advantage of the lack of really good teams in the division over the last decade. That’s all going to change after next year with no divisions. To get to the CCG, will need to go at least 10-2 or 11-1 including 1-2 high quality wins. And that is how it really should be.
How will the Badger and Hawkeye fans react when they go 5 years without a CCG appearance and feel like they are not close to getting there. We know because we are already there. Throw in some losses to Nebraska and those fans might get restless. I think Nebraska has the potential to really stir up some fan unrest for Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota in the coming years.
How will the Badger and Hawkeye fans react when they go 5 years without a CCG appearance and feel like they are not close to getting there. We know because we are already there. Throw in some losses to Nebraska and those fans might get restless. I think Nebraska has the potential to really stir up some fan unrest for Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota in the coming years.
The problem Wisconsin will always have is their admission requirements, it's just below Northwestern's. You lose out on a lot of talented players when you require better grades and test scores. I'm not saying it's a bad thing to have smart kids go to your school it just eliminates borderline students sometimes that could work hard and improve there overall general knowledge and course work.
That’s why I think Fickell may have preferred the Nebraska job. That, and perhaps $$. There were no rumors of Fickell to Wisconsin until after Nebraska job was off the table.
I would think he will have a lot of offers. I still think he ends up at Illinois if that DC leaves.
If we landed Fickell and Wisky landed Rhule, why do I have a feeling you would be posting the same thing.
I think Rhule should see if Jimmy is interested in being our DC. When you consider the impact that it would have on Wisconsin, and fact that he’s a great coach that knows Big Ten football, it would a be win-win. If he comes with an axe to grind and a recruit or two, even sweeter.
I assume there are different requirements for athletes? Wisconsin is not tougher to get into than Michigan. Seems like Wisconsin struggles to keep good coaches.
I never heard about all that, some day you will have to explain these rumors on more detail..
We don't know that. Same as we have no idea on Rhule. I think Fickell is a good coach, but he wasn't at the Power 5 level. Also a lot of stuff about him not embracing NIL only recruiting certain areas, etc. He's a tough SOB, and I think a good coach, but let's see how it goes.
Nebraska will be good, too. Both Rhule and Fickell are upgrades for each school. Wisconsin may have it tougher because of their admissions standards, but I see them winning 9-10 games a year consistently under Fickell once he gets settled in.
Remember how many people on here and elsewhere wanted Fickell over Rhule? There's a reason for that. No guarantees for either guy, but they are both good coaches.