3 reasons Luke Fickell added more position assistant coaches to his Wisconsin football staff
In the ever-evolving world of college football, coaching staffs are continually adjusted to reflect the changing dynamics of the game. For Luke Fickell, the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, one of his key decisions during his tenure has been the strategic addition of more position assistant coaches to his staff. While the specific rationale behind this move is multifaceted, three primary reasons stand out for why Fickell has opted to expand his coaching staff. These reasons include improving player development, enhancing recruitment efforts, and adapting to the increasing complexity of the game.
1. Enhancing Player Development
One of the primary reasons Luke Fickell added more position assistant coaches to his staff was to improve the overall player development process at Wisconsin. College football is more competitive than ever, with an increasing emphasis on specialization and fine-tuning specific skills. For Fickell, ensuring that every position on the field has a dedicated coach to focus on the nuances of the game is an investment in maximizing player potential and performance.
Focused Development at Every Position
By adding more position-specific coaches, Fickell ensures that players are not only receiving personalized attention but also learning the intricacies of their individual roles. Whether it’s the offensive line, wide receivers, defensive backs, or linebackers, each unit now has a coach who can dedicate their time to developing specific skills tailored to the needs of the players. Wisconsin’s program has long prided itself on its ability to develop strong, hard-nosed players, particularly on both sides of the line. However, as college football becomes more nuanced and diverse in its strategic approach, adding more coaches allows for an improved, more holistic player development process.
Specialized Coaching and Attention to Detail
For example, the addition of a new position coach for the offensive line helps refine the footwork, blocking schemes, and tactical awareness required at every position on the line, ensuring a stronger and more cohesive unit. Similarly, a dedicated wide receiver coach can focus on technique and route running while a running backs coach can enhance ball security and vision.
Moreover, as college football continues to embrace more innovative offensive systems—such as up-tempo spread offenses and dynamic passing attacks—each position requires focused attention to keep up with the evolution of the game. Wisconsin has traditionally been a run-heavy team, but Fickell’s offensive philosophy may incorporate more diverse schemes moving forward. Having position-specific coaches to guide players through these changes will prove invaluable.
Incorporating more specialized assistant coaches ensures that the players receive consistent feedback and guidance tailored to their position. For Fickell, this creates an environment where players are better equipped to develop their skills, refine their techniques, and become more impactful contributors on the field.
2. Enhancing Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting is one of the most crucial elements of college football success, and expanding the coaching staff can significantly impact Wisconsin’s ability to bring in top-tier talent. In an era where the competition for recruits is fierce, having a larger and more dedicated coaching staff allows Wisconsin to target a broader range of high school talent, as well as build stronger relationships with recruits and their families.
More Coaches, More Recruiting Eyes
The addition of more position coaches helps Wisconsin expand its recruiting reach. With more coaches on the staff, Fickell is able to divide responsibilities more effectively, ensuring that his team is scouting and evaluating talent in various regions and high schools across the country. This increased ability to cover more ground means that Wisconsin can not only increase the number of recruits they target but also focus on the specific needs of the team by recruiting players who fit well into particular positions or systems.
For example, a defensive backs coach will be able to focus on recruiting top-tier defensive backs while an offensive line coach can prioritize scouting offensive linemen. With more coaches on hand, Fickell can ensure that each position group is being addressed with the same level of priority and detail, allowing Wisconsin to bring in recruits who can contribute immediately.
Stronger Relationships with Recruits
The recruiting process is not just about talent; it’s also about relationships. By having position coaches dedicated to specific areas, Fickell ensures that each recruit builds a deeper connection with their potential coach. This personal connection can be a critical factor in a player’s decision-making process. Recruits want to feel valued, and having a dedicated position coach allows them to form bonds with their future mentors.
For example, if a highly sought-after wide receiver knows that Wisconsin’s wide receivers coach is deeply invested in their development, they may be more likely to commit to the program. Likewise, defensive players who are looking for specialized coaching to prepare for the next level will see a more personalized approach to development, which can be a key selling point during recruiting.
Retaining Top Talent
Recruiting is not just about bringing in new players; it also involves retaining the talent you have. By ensuring that every position group is being coached with the same level of attention and expertise, Fickell can keep players engaged and motivated throughout their careers. Athletes who feel that their development is being prioritized are more likely to stay committed to the program, reducing the risk of transfer portal entries.
The addition of more position assistant coaches is a long-term strategy aimed at maintaining a high level of continuity in the roster, preventing attrition, and ensuring that Wisconsin can retain top talent year after year.
3. Adapting to the Increasing Complexity of the Game
Another key factor in Fickell’s decision to add more assistant coaches is the increasing complexity of the game itself. College football has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with offenses becoming more dynamic and defenses needing to adapt to more complex schemes. As teams look to incorporate a wider range of offensive systems, defensive coverages, and special teams strategies, having a more extensive coaching staff has become necessary to keep up with these changes.
More Focus on Specialization in a Complex Game
The game of football has become far more specialized than it was in decades past. Teams are now running multiple offensive and defensive packages, each requiring distinct knowledge and preparation. For example, the rise of the spread offense and hurry-up attack requires defensive coaches to be more specialized in coverage schemes, pass rush strategies, and adapting to different formations. On offense, coordinators are running multiple schemes with unique philosophies—such as zone blocking or RPOs—that demand specialized teaching.
As college football offenses and defenses become more intricate, coaches need to spend more time on teaching the nuances of each position. By adding more position coaches, Fickell ensures that each player receives individualized coaching and can better grasp the complexities of their role within the team’s system.
Position-Specific Coaching for Increasingly Diverse Systems
For example, as college football offenses move further away from traditional pro-style systems, coaches need to adapt to the spread, up-tempo, and pass-heavy schemes that are now dominating the sport. A position coach who is specialized in wide receivers, for instance, will need to teach players to adjust to multiple different route trees, read coverage, and adjust on the fly. Similarly, defensive backs coaches need to stay current with the evolution of passing offenses, including the use of play-action passes, screens, and vertical routes.
With Fickell’s commitment to modernizing Wisconsin’s offensive schemes and making them more adaptable, it’s imperative that position coaches can focus on mastering these new elements. Having a larger staff allows Wisconsin’s coaches to stay ahead of the curve and implement systems that are both cutting-edge and effective.
