Meet the Wisconsin Badgers New Position Coaches
The Badgers' new position coaches spoke to the media for the first time.
Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football program made a few notable changes to the coaching staff this offseason. Some were out of necessity, and others in pursuit of better production.
Gone are wide receivers coach Mike Brown, who took the same job at Notre Dame, Colin Hitschler (Alabama), and Jack Bicknell Jr., who was re-assigned to a different role within the program. All three jobs have been filled—and announced on social media.
On Wednesday, Badgers assistant coaches Alex Grinch (safeties), AJ Blazek (offensive line), and Kenny Guiton (wide receivers) were made available to the media for the first time since getting hired.
Here's a look at what each Wisconsin Badgers assistant had to say.
Co-Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch
To replace Colin Hitschler, Wisconsin football brought in Alex Grinch, former USC and Oklahoma defensive coordinator, to fill the open role of safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator.
Some Badgers fans weren't in love with the co-defensive coordinator title, given that he faced a midseason termination due to the Trojans defensive struggles, allowing 34.4 points per game.
"I think you're always learning," Grinch told reporters. "I think what happens is when you don't have success that you expect that you can circle that and highlight that and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. But it also creates a chip on your shoulder.
"I'm not sure there'd be anyone in the country with a bigger chip than what I have...Sometimes, when you don't have success, then that becomes circled as if that's the only season that you've ever coached."
Grinch has previously served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Washington State (2015-2017) and the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Ohio State (2018). He was also the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Oklahoma (2019-2021), continuing in the same role under Lincoln Riley at USC (2022-2023).
That said, Grinch boasts an impressive track record over his career, being a four-time nominee for the Broyles Award at different stops, which recognizes the nation's top assistant coach.
Part of what drew Grinch to Wisconsin was the strong brand of the football program and the respect it commands across the country. He'll now have a chance to work with a veteran group of safeties comprising Hunter Wohler, Kamo'i Latu, Austin Brown, and Preston Zachman.
"The blue collar approach to things is very evident just in my short time here."
Offensive Line Coach AJ Blazek
AJ Blazek joins the Wisconsin football program as the Badgers' fourth position coach in as many years.
"Can't express how excited we are as a family to be a part of the history here at Wisconsin, but also to help move it forward and take the jump forward from where we're at right now on the o-line and help the offense," Blazek said.
His coaching journey includes stints at Fort Hays State (2005-2008), Winona State (2009-2012), Western Illinois (2013-2015), Rutgers (2016-2018), North Dakota State (2019-2020), and Vanderbilt (2021-23).