Hard to know if this was simply about a pay raise or the desire for a fresh start. Either way, I’m not sure, at least on paper, that this one hurts the staff all that much. The rushing numbers dipped each season, and while recruiting was solid enough, that carries less weight when the on-field product never really materializes in the portal era. Continuity does matter, and Devon Spalding was at Wisconsin for three years, but there’s also a case to be made that bringing in a position coach who’s fully aligned with Jeff Grimes’ offensive philosophy could end up being a net positive.
Starting in 3 days we'll find out if Mac, Ted and LF are blowing smoke or have "real" money to put into the program. I have my doubts as a couple of players I hoped we'd keep entered the transfer portal. Per Seinfeld....."No money for you !" Tennessee, a state of 7 million population, raised over $20 million a year above the TV money for football the past 2 years. Wisconsin, a state of 6 million population, raised only $4 million in 2024. [Google "IRS Form 990, Varsity Collective" to see data on the Collective and the name of the big shot 608 attorney who is in charge. The Collective has 1 year to file for 2025, so I doubt that a Form 990 will show up anytime soon.] Hope I'm wrong.
Even coaches realize they are on a sinking ship.
Hard to know if this was simply about a pay raise or the desire for a fresh start. Either way, I’m not sure, at least on paper, that this one hurts the staff all that much. The rushing numbers dipped each season, and while recruiting was solid enough, that carries less weight when the on-field product never really materializes in the portal era. Continuity does matter, and Devon Spalding was at Wisconsin for three years, but there’s also a case to be made that bringing in a position coach who’s fully aligned with Jeff Grimes’ offensive philosophy could end up being a net positive.
Starting in 3 days we'll find out if Mac, Ted and LF are blowing smoke or have "real" money to put into the program. I have my doubts as a couple of players I hoped we'd keep entered the transfer portal. Per Seinfeld....."No money for you !" Tennessee, a state of 7 million population, raised over $20 million a year above the TV money for football the past 2 years. Wisconsin, a state of 6 million population, raised only $4 million in 2024. [Google "IRS Form 990, Varsity Collective" to see data on the Collective and the name of the big shot 608 attorney who is in charge. The Collective has 1 year to file for 2025, so I doubt that a Form 990 will show up anytime soon.] Hope I'm wrong.