Why change isn’t scary for Wisconsin football

It was a second that had the potential to be awkward: The comparatively new coach for the University of Wisconsin football group — Fickell was hired exactly a month earlier — requesting the presence of the person who’d been handed over for that very same place. Standing close to Fickell as he prolonged the invitation to Leonhard was UW athletic director Chris McIntosh, the person who’d made the choice to rent an outsider as an alternative of this system legend hoping to land his dream job.

And now that outsider was calling Leonhard’s identify over the loudspeaker because the Badgers celebrated their 24-17 victory over Oklahoma State. It was a cultured gesture on the a part of Fickell, who later would say that he would have most popular if Leonhard had been on stage all the time. Fickell’s official file at UW now stands at 1-0, however this win was a gaggle effort and he felt Leonhard, who had served as interim coach for the ultimate seven video games of the common season, needs to be sharing the highlight.

“This isn’t me,” Fickell stated. “I thought it was important for him to be recognized.”

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Leonhard hardly may flip down the invitation even when he would have moderately remained out within the crowd, so he made his approach to the stage and answered one query. Standing subsequent to me on the time was Don Leonhard, who wiped his eyes as his son spoke.

Look round that group of gamers, assistant coaches, help employees and their households trying on at Chase Field and it was onerous to not really feel as if UW was at some unusual intersection in its wealthy historical past. An finish and in addition a starting, a bittersweet symphony of types.

It’s a future that received’t embody Leonhard, who hadn’t spoken to reporters for the reason that regular-season finale Nov. 26. He agreed to speak with a number of of us late Tuesday night time — considerably reluctantly, it appeared — and pulled himself away from his spouse, Katie, and their younger sons, Reese, Graham and Pierce, for an interview that lasted a shade greater than 2 minutes.

He stated he wasn’t emotional at that time and simply needed to do every thing he may to assist the gamers end the season with a win. When requested if it was a troublesome choice to show down a suggestion to affix Fickell’s employees, Leonhard stated he “felt there were other things that happened that forced me to make the decision and move on.” He stated he’s had discussions about different job openings however isn’t in a rush to decide.

What did Leonhard consider Fickell asking him to affix within the trophy presentation?

“It ain’t about me right now,” Leonhard stated. “It’s his program moving forward, and I appreciate the respect I got from him and the players and the coaches. But they can have (the spotlight). I’m excited for the future of the program.”

Luke Fickell teams up with existing Wisconsin football staff for bowl win

He’s not alone. There’s a buzz round this program that has been lacking for some time, and now begins an offseason during which Fickell will attempt to hold that momentum going. He’ll fill his employees and proceed to construct a roster by recruiting, together with the switch portal, and spring observe will likely be right here earlier than we all know it.

We hopefully will get to listen to extra about his imaginative and prescient for this system, an outlook he already has shared with some gamers.

“This plan they have for the team, it’s one of those things that I’m eating what they’re cooking,” UW offensive lineman Michael Furtney stated. “They truly do believe in this vision they have for this team.”

Furtney entered his identify within the portal earlier than altering his thoughts earlier this month. He stated a dialog with two of Fickell’s incoming assistants, offensive coordinator Phil Longo and offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., satisfied him that UW was the correct place for him.

Quarterback Chase Wolf, who was strong towards Oklahoma State whereas guiding the Badgers to a win in his first profession begin, has determined to stay round for a sixth season as properly. Some of that call was based mostly round a need to get a grasp’s diploma in actual property, however Wolf additionally needed to be a part of what Fickell is constructing.

Wolf was making an attempt to soak all of it in because the clock neared midnight right here within the desert. There had been loads of hugs and tears because the Badgers lingered on the sphere properly after the sport had ended, but returning gamers spoke with pleasure about what’s in retailer for this program.

“To say goodbye to them one last time, it definitely feels like an end of an era,” Wolf stated. “But I’m looking forward to the next part, the next era. I think good things are going to happen.”

Chase Wolf savors win in his first start for Wisconsin football

One of the sensible issues Fickell has carried out early in his tenure is present a willingness to hearken to gamers. He may flex his muscle mass and demand change, however he as an alternative has advised them he desires to embrace a few of what’s already right here whereas enhancing it.

Furtney referred to it as an “evolution” — a good way to explain what’s occurring within the early phases of this transition — and cornerback Alexander Smith additionally was hesitant to consult with it as a brand new period.

“Some things may look different,” Smith stated, “but it’s still us.”

One instance: The Air Raid offense is coming to UW, however Fickell insists this system’s bread and butter will stay its working sport.

“What has made Wisconsin great isn’t going to change,” Fickell stated. “And we would be fools to think that we aren’t going to be what this place historically has been. Now how you do things and how it looks may be a little bit different. But we’re never going to let this thing lose its edge.”

Baseball stadium causes ‘slippery’ surface in Wisconsin football’s bowl win

A 7-6 file matches UW’s worst mark throughout its 21-year bowl streak, however I don’t assume the Badgers are that removed from getting again to constantly being one of many prime groups within the Big Ten. They ran the ball properly, had been sound on protection and produced a superb efficiency on particular groups towards the Cowboys, a successful system towards most opponents. Taking the following step would require Longo and Co. to inject some juice into the passing sport.

The 2022 season will go down as one of the vital weird in program historical past, memorable for the mistaken causes. Paul Chryst lost his job, Leonhard didn’t get a shot to take this program ahead and a stranger was main the way in which by the tip.

Outside linebacker Darryl Peterson described it as, properly, a bleep-show.

“Excuse my language, but that’s what it’s been, man,” Peterson stated. “To come out here and finish like we did, I’m proud of this group and I’m excited for the future.”

One stuffed with new faces and a brand new model. On, Wisconsin, into this courageous, new world.