The Wisconsin Badgers are newly on the hunt for an offensive coordinator after making an uncharacteristic midseason change.
The Badgers coach Luke Fickell announced last night that offensive coordinator Phil Longo would be relieved of his duties immediately. Longo was hired to introduce the “air-raid” offense to Madison, but unfortunately was never able to get his plans off of the ground. After nearly two season, the Wisconsin Badgers had had enough and made the swift decision to move on from the coach.
With the search beginning, here are four potential options the Wisconsin Badgers could consider that are not necessarily the “top” candidates.
Wisconsin Badgers Candidate #1: Utah State OC/WR Coach Kyle Cefalo
Utah State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Kyle Cefalo is well known for his positive attitude and uplifting spirit. Cefalo is a coach that players love to play for and is someone that people would often refer to as a “motivator” due to how he can get the best out of players. The Wisconsin Badgers have been working to develop a “family” like feel to the team and staff, and under those circumstances Cefalo would be an excellent fit.
However, Cefalo is admittedly the least successful coach out of the bunch when it comes to schemes and play-calling duties. But, Cefalo makes up for his faults with an extreme ability to find ways to get receivers open on offense. The Utah State Aggies have set records on offense under Cefalo including most single-season touchdown passes (41) and most receivers with 10-plus touchdown seasons in a year (3).
Cefalo would be the ultimate hire for the Wisconsin Badgers if the team were to secure a willing quarterback. Cefalo loves to take risky shots deep, which Wisconsin simply cannot do at this stage.
Wisconsin Badgers Candidate #2: Liberty Co-OC/QB Coach Willy Korn
Liberty Flames co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Willy Korn is a former Clemson Tigers quarterback with a great track record. Korn was hired as a receiving game coordinator and wide receivers coach with Charleston Southern for his first football job. The former quarterback spent five seasons with Coastal Carolina after and had four different players earn All-Sun Belt honors, including quarterback Grayson McCall.
Unlike the other options mentioned, Korn is a known and successful recruiter, serving as the head of recruiting coordination for Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina.
Korn is the best of both worlds, adding new and creative ideas on the offensive side of the football as well as a presence off of the field recruiting. A perfect example of what Korn can accomplish involves quarterback Kaidon Salter, who has completely transformed his career with the help of Korn. The quarterback went from a prime transfer candidate to a potential NFL Draft prospect.
In regards to the quarterback situation the Wisconsin Badgers have, Korn would be an excellent option to properly develop a quarterback moving forward.
Wisconsin Badgers Candidate #3: UConn OC/OL Coach/Run Game Coordinator Gordon Sammis
Perhaps the best hire that UConn Huskies coach Jim Mora has made is offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Gordon Sammis. After being hired in 2022 as a run game coordinator, the Huskies ranked 33rd in the country averaging 191-yards rushing per game. Sammis has also allowed an average of 1.38-sacks per game during his tenure with the UConn Huskies, which is his biggest accomplishment with the team.
This past season, Sammis was promoted to the offensive coordinator role and also holds the titles of run game coordinator and offensive line coach. The coach has a loaded plate, but has handled it well, with the Huskies currently holding a 7-3 record this season during his first season as the coordinator.
Sammis has an older, more run-heavy approach to moving the football that would allow for the Wisconsin Badgers to return to their roots.
Wisconsin Badgers Candidate #4: UNLV OC/QB Coach Brennan Marion
The fourth and final option in this list is UNLV Rebels offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brennan Marion. Marion is by far the most notable option out of the bunch, with his new ideas on offensive football taking the world by storm. The former Texas Longhorns passing game coordinator is an excellent schemer and understands motion on the offensive side of the football on a totally different level.
UNLV has had one of the most dynamic offenses this season seemingly putting up points with ease against every opponent. One key aspect of the offense has been the use of multiple players as the team relies on numerous running backs and wide receivers to move the football. The unselfish nature of the UNLV offense has created a team that can hurt opposing offenses in a number of ways.
Marion admittedly will be the hardest person to hire out of the bunch, as multiple schools out west are looking for coordinators. Marion will likely have plenty of choices moving forward, and staying close to home is what the coordinator appears to be leaning towards. The former wide receiver is a native of Pennsylvania but found his start in coaching in California.
If the Wisconsin Badgers could lure Marion away, the coach would be an excellent hire to take the Badgers into the new age with a more dynamic offense.
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