Luke Fickell Focusing on Process in Second Season at Wisconsin
The Badgers coach isn't measuring progress by wins and losses alone.
With the first year of the Luke Fickell era at the University of Wisconsin in the rearview mirror, diehard Badgers fans and media alike are eager to see if the football program will exhibit signs of discernible progress in 2024.
Coming off a disappointing 7-6 season, the Badgers have made a few notable moves through the transfer portal and high school recruiting to retool the roster, hoping to build a team more in line with Fickell’s vision.
However, as outside expectations for Wisconsin rise, Fickell remains focused on the long-term process of building a winning football program rather than short-term outcomes.
When asked about the importance of showing progress now that the 'transition year' is behind them, Fickell didn’t necessarily shy away from the question but instead offered reporters a grounded perspective on what “progress” really means in the eyes of those inside the building.
“We're always trying to show progress,” Fickell told reporters. “Every one of us, these guys—they hear it every single day. You know, they're evaluated every day. We're evaluated every day. Progress is something that is continual. I don't care if you win 11, 12 games; you're still going to want progress.
"And does progress always mean more wins? You know, it's easy for everybody else to say, but there's a lot of progress that has to continue."
Coach Fickell’s comments reflect that progress in a program doesn’t always directly translate to wins. While fans may be eager to see a substantial leap, as they did during Fickell’s second year at Cincinnati, the head coach stressed that proper development takes time.
The term "culture" gets thrown around often, but for Fickell and the Badgers, it’s something that evolves and requires constant attention.
“We all know that this is a part of the process,” Fickell continued. “And a part of, I say, transition, but the perpetual development. That’s what we’ve got to make sure we continue to focus on… It sometimes takes a little longer than you wish, right? We all want it now. You think just because we work really hard and dedicate ourselves that everything is supposed to pay off—but it doesn’t quite work like that.”
The first year of Fickell’s tenure at Wisconsin may not have delivered a Big Ten West title or a high-powered offense as many expected, but it offered valuable lessons that the program and staff can build upon. With the Badgers facing a tougher Big Ten schedule moving forward, Fickell’s focus on steady development across all operational phases illustrates a measured approach to bringing sustained success back to Madison.
Defining Progress: What I'm Hoping to See From the Badgers in Year 2 Under Luke Fickell
For Wisconsin football, a successful season won’t just be defined by wins and losses in 2024, at least internally.
Now, I know the national media is going to focus on the overall record and maybe even slap a label on them. But inside that locker room? It’s about so much more than that.
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