Wisconsin makes change to coaching staff after falling short in big upset bid

Dec 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half of the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin Badgers came very close to upsetting the top-ranked Oregon Ducks on Saturday, but their performance still led to a significant staff change a day later.

The Badgers announced Sunday that they are parting ways with offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Longo was in his second season with the school, but was relieved of his duties after the offense was held to 226 total yards against the Ducks.

“After continuing to evaluate the program, I decided we are not where we need to be and believe this decision is in the best interest of the team,” head coach Luke Fickell said in a statement. “I appreciate Phil’s commitment to helping us build our program over the past two seasons and wish him well moving forward. This team still has a lot in front of us and I am committed to doing everything we can to close out this season with success.”

The Badgers are 5-5 on the season, but what success they have had has largely come on the back of their defense. Wisconsin is averaging a modest 23.9 points per game this season to go with only 193.8 passing yards per game.

Part of Wisconsin’s problem is that starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is out for the season with an ACL tear, but that extenuating circumstance was not enough to save Longo’s job.