Wisconsin is officially in agreement to hire Kansas’ Jeff Grimes as its new offensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
The Badgers were first reported to be pursuing Grimes on Friday. Just one day later, the deal appears to have been finalized. The specific terms are yet to be announced.
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Grimes is set to fill a position that became vacant when Wisconsin fired Phil Longo in mid-November. Luke Fickell and the Badgers closed the season with a coordinator-by-committee approach, which was a sub-story to closing losses to rivals Nebraska and Minnesota.
The veteran coordinator is making a lateral move to Wisconsin after spending one year as Kansas’ offensive coordinator. He’s previously held the same position at Baylor (2021-23) and BYU (2018-20). Prior, Grimes was an offensive line coach for numerous top programs, highlighted by time at LSU (2014-17), Virginia Tech (2013) and Auburn (2009-12).
There is still no official word from the Wisconsin program. But Rittenberg’s report, paired with Kansas hiring a new coordinator, enforces its reality.
The Jeff Grimes hire at Wisconsin is reportedly final. https://t.co/XFerfMulbw
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) December 7, 2024
Grimes will be tasked with fixing a Wisconsin offense that averaged just 22.6 points per game in 2024 (No. 108 in the nation) and 23.5 points per game (No. 93) in 2023. He figures to bring a more classic old-school Wisconsin approach, a departure from the previous two years of Phil Longo’s air raid system.
The next step for the veteran coordinator is recrafting the team’s quarterback room. Kansas star QB Jalon Daniels is staying put with the Jayhawks, so the Badgers may be forced into the larger transfer market. Veteran Tyler Van Dyke may return, though questions surround his health after a September ACL injury.
Grimes’ job will be critical to Luke Fickell’s tenure as he works to improve the team from its 12-13 combined record over the last two seasons.
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