Wisconsin football rumors: A Luke Fickell firing would open door to these top candidates

With the Wisconsin football team opening the season with a matchup against Notre Dame on Saturday, it could be an integral season for head coach Luke Fickell, who could be let go if another disappointing season takes place. As many speculate whether Fickell is on the hot seat with the Wisconsin football program, this insider would bring up a few options that would be top candidates for the job.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic would start by saying that Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert would be “high” on the Badgers’ radar if Fickell is fired. It also helps that Dickert was born and raised in Wisconsin, as Wake Forest had a 9-4 record last season, but he really stood out in stabilizing the Washington State Cougars as the interim head coach, taking over for Nick Rolovich in 2021.

“Last year, he quietly did a superb job, going 9-4 at Wake Forest. Another strong season would make him an attractive option for vacancies just about anywhere. Maybe SEC programs might be leery because he’s never coached down there, but he’d be high on Wisconsin’s radar if Luke Fickell has a disappointing season in Madison,” Feldman wrote.

The coach that would be the Wisconsin football team’s “first call”

The other option for the Wisconsin football team that Feldman believes would be considered if the program moves on from Fickell is New Mexico head coach Jason Eck. Last season was his first with the Lobos, going 9-4, as Feldman expresses that he would be the “Baders’ first call.”

“He just had an outstanding nine-win season with the Lobos in his debut year. Eck has a vibrant personality and a keen big-picture grasp of the job, and he appears destined for the Power 4 ranks. Our guess is he would be the Badgers’ first call if they have to replace Fickell,” Feldman wrote.

At any rate, it remains to be seen if the Wisconsin football team ends up firing Fickell, as this season seems like a make it or break it year for the coach, looking to improve after finishing 4-8, 2-7 in conference play, last season.

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