Wisconsin football hires former Ohio State linebacker as director of player development
Wisconsin has hired former Ohio State standout Curtis Grant as director of player development, replacing Chris Worley after his promotion.
Wisconsin football has made another addition to its coaching staff.
Curtis Grant Jr. announced that he’s joining Luke Fickell’s football program as the Badgers’ new director of player development. He replaces Chris Worley, who recently transitioned into an on-field coaching role as Wisconsin’s assistant defensive backs coach working with the nickels.
Grant’s addition quietly appeared on Wisconsin’s updated 2026 football staff directory, filling an important support position responsible for mentoring student-athletes both on and off the field.
While the role doesn’t involve coaching on Saturdays, it has become an increasingly important part of modern college football as programs navigate roster turnover, the transfer portal and the evolving NIL landscape.
For Grant, the opportunity represents much more than a new job title.
“For a long time, people told me I had a gift for leading young men,” Grant said. “I didn’t want to hear it because I was still bitter that my playing career didn’t unfold the way I had envisioned. They say the things you go through aren’t always for you — they’re meant to prepare you to help someone else. I truly understand what that means now.
“I’m honored to be part of an incredible program at Wisconsin, where I have the opportunity to pour into the next generation, share the lessons this game taught me, and help these young men become better players and even better people. Sometimes God changes the dream, but never the purpose.”
Grant arrives in Madison with an extensive football background.
A former five-star recruit out of Hermitage High School in Virginia, Grant entered Ohio State as one of the nation’s highest-rated linebackers before developing into a key contributor for the Buckeyes. He played in 45 career games, served as one of the program’s leaders, and was part of Ohio State’s 2014 College Football Playoff national championship team.
The relationship between Grant and Fickell dates back more than a decade.
Fickell coached Grant throughout his entire Ohio State career from 2011-14, while serving as his linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. Following Ohio State’s 2014 national championship season, Fickell publicly praised Grant for helping restore the culture in the Buckeyes’ linebacker room, a glimpse into the leadership qualities that now make him a natural fit for Wisconsin’s director of player development role.
Although his collegiate career didn’t match the lofty expectations that accompanied his recruiting ranking, Grant’s perseverance eventually helped him carve out a cup of coffee in the NFL. After going undrafted in 2015, he spent time with multiple organizations, including the Chargers, Falcons, Titans, Raiders, 49ers and Giants, appearing in 10 regular-season games with New York.
His own journey ultimately helped shape the perspective he now brings to a role centered on mentoring and developing young athletes.
It’s become increasingly important to have the right people in place to ensure players don’t slip through the cracks. With rosters turning over at an unprecedented rate every offseason, building relationships, monitoring the development of young athletes, and keeping players engaged year-round has become just as important as recruiting them in the first place.
While Grant may not be a household name to Badger fans, his playing experience, leadership background, and longstanding relationship with Fickell make him a natural fit for a program that has consistently emphasized the importance of culture and player development.
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