Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell reacts in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

After Wisconsin lost in shutout fashion for the second week in a row — the first time that's happened to the Badgers since 1977 — many expected that could prove to be the end for struggling coach Luke Fickell with his team falling to 2-5 on the year.

However, on Monday, athletics director Chris McIntosh seemed to shut down the idea of making a change. In a letter released to the fanbase, McIntosh acknowledged his "disappointment" in the way the season has played out while pointing out that Fickell and the coaching staff "deserve all our support."

“I share in the disappointment with this football season to date; it has fallen well short of our standards,” McIntosh said. “At Wisconsin, we do not shy away from setting lofty expectations — for our teams, our coaches, and for myself. We embrace them and accept the responsibility of meeting those goals. While our coaches, staff and student-athletes continue to demonstrate the work ethic and values that represent UW Football, the results simply are not where any of us want them to be.

“Coach Fickell sees the potential in what this team can be, as do I, and he shares the same disappointment and frustration. Our student-athletes continue to stand and fight with character and pride as they battle through this moment of adversity, and they deserve all our support.”

McIntosh also hinted at increased financial investment for the program, expressing the need to provide more resources for "infrastructure, staffing, and... student-athlete recruiting and retention."

Fickell's hiring ahead of the 2023 season was lauded at the time, but the success he had at Cincinnati hasn't followed him to Madison. Fickell is 15-18 overall and is in danger of missing a bowl for the second year in a row. With a remaining schedule featuring Oregon, Indiana, Illinois and Washington, a return to the postseason doesn't seem likely.

It's unclear if this statement means Fickell will remain Wisconsin's coach in 2026, but given his buyout (which currently sits at $27.4 million, per the USA TODAY Sports coaches salary database) the school may be willing to give him one more shot.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Wisconsin AD voices support for Luke Fickell, vows increased financial investment

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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