Wisconsin legend Barry Alvarez was in attendance for Wisconsin’s training camp practice on Wednesday.
He, athletic director Chris McIntosh and former Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio witnessed UW gear up for its 2024 slate with roughly two weeks remaining until the ensemble opens with Western Michigan on Aug. 30.
Before serving as Wisconsin’s athletic director from 2005-21, Alvarez commanded the sidelines as head football coach for UW from 1990 to 2005.
During that span, he amassed a 119–72–4 overall record and became the winningest head coach in Wisconsin football history. Alvarez was a 2010 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.
McIntosh played offensive line during his time at Wisconsin from 1996-99 and took over for Alvarez as athletic director in 2021. Del Rio, who has served on a myriad of NFL coaching staffs, most recently as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders (2020-2023).
The Don, Jack Del Rio, and Chris McIntosh taking in practice this morning #Badgers #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/onbKonj4U1
— Zach Hanley (@ZachHanley2) August 14, 2024
The faces scattered alongside the sidelines indicate the rising anticipation for the second full year of current head coach Luke Fickell at the helm. UW went 7-6 a year ago after notching an identical record in 2022.
With OC Phil Longo and Fickell together for a second full season, the Badgers will look to lean into their continuity in an expanded 18-team conference with hopes of retuning to the AP’s top-25 in 2024.