Luke Fickell buyout at Wisconsin: How much would it cost Badgers to fire football coach?
After Wisconsin's latest Big Ten loss to unranked Maryland on Saturday, here's a look at what it would cost the Badgers to move on from Luke Fickell.
Following a 21-14 fourth-quarter loss to Maryland in a Week 11 Big Ten game, the University of Wisconsin football program finds itself in a precarious position. Head coach Luke Fickell's buyout clause could incur significant costs for the Badgers if they decide to terminate his employment. According to contract details obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Fickell would be owed approximately $21.3 million should the University part ways with him by December 1, 2026.
The seven-year contract, signed in 2022 when Fickell was hired from Cincinnati, expires at the end of the 2026 season. The Badgers have struggled under Fickell, with a 23-25 overall record spanning his four seasons at Wisconsin. The program's recent slide was highlighted by a 30-0 loss to Iowa, where the team was outgained by a 235-235 total yards.
Fickell's tenure has been marked by a series of losses, including three against unranked opponents. While Wisconsin had briefly cracked the top 25 this season, the loss to Maryland has raised questions about the coach's ability to meet fan and program expectations. As the Athletic Board approved a one-year extension following each of Fickell's previous seasons, it appears the coach's request for no further extension has led to these discussions about his future with the Badgers.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
