Why Wisconsin Hired Jack Del Rio as Senior Advisor to the Head Coach

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers made an intriguing move this offseason by bringing in former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to serve as a Senior Advisor.

The decision to bring Del Rio aboard wasn’t made lightly. Fickell pointed to their longstanding relationship and the desire for a fresh, objective viewpoint within the program as the driving factors behind the hire.

"As the summer hit, I was looking for somebody in a little bit of a different role, special adviser to the head coach... It only works if you've got some type of relationship," coach Fickell told reporters ..."Our history goes back a little bit to when I was trying to still play down in New Orleans. He [Del Rio] was my workout partner for about eight months as he was getting out."

Fickell underlined how Del Rio’s experience in the NFL could provide invaluable insights, not just for the defense but for the entire program as it navigates the ever-changing landscape of college football, including the impending revenue-sharing model that's on the horizon.

"I was looking for someone to help us offensively and defensively, a different eye, a different view, but also in this evolving world of what we're going to go into next year when it comes down to this revenue sharing stuff too."

However, Del Rio’s involvement will go beyond offering tips on X's and O's. Fickell believes Del Rio’s ability to communicate and bring new perspectives can enhance the overall approach for both sides of the ball.

"For me to have somebody in here that's obviously got a different eye and a uniqueness to be able to communicate with me but also to give us some other perspectives... I think it can be a really good thing for us."

By bringing in Del Rio, Fickell is trying to position a Wisconsin football program that's still working through a transition under this new regime to benefit from decades of NFL expertise as they continue to evolve the process of team building both on and off the field.

The Wisconsin Badgers clearly have some work to do if their goal is to compete for championships, but adding another staff member with Del Rio's experience in a defined role is another investment in that pursuit.

Related: Wisconsin Badgers Special Teams Scheme Exposed by Western Michigan

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