coaching staff – Page 5 – Syndication Server

Former Wisconsin basketball assistant gets D-II head coaching job

Another member of Greg Gard’s coaching staff is on the move

Former Wisconsin basketball assistant coach Kyle Blackbourn was named the head coach at D-II Rockhurst on Wednesday.

Blackbourn previously held the title of Director of Recruiting and Scouting with the Badgers. He had been on Greg Gard’s coaching staff since 2016, first as the Assistant Director of Basketball Operations before being promoted to Director of Recruiting and Scouting in 2021.

He now returns to lead the Rockhurst program after previously working as an assistant there in 2015-2016.

“I’m over the moon excited to be named the next head coach [at Rockhurst],” Blackbourn wrote on X. “Thank you to coach Gard and Badger nation for the last eight years. Excited to get to Kansas City and get to work. Go Hawks!”

HIRED❕

Kyle Blackbourn, who has spent the last eight seasons on the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball staff, has been named as the new head coach for the Rockhurst men’s basketball program.#RockU pic.twitter.com/24hVijxcmb

— Rockhurst Athletics (@RUhawks) April 17, 2024

Blackbourn is the second member of Greg Gard’s coaching staff to move on this offseason, joining longtime assistant Dean Oliver.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

[lawrence-related id=74195,74165,74765,74798,73207]

Report: Wisconsin football, Luke Fickell losing a top staffer to the NFL

Wisconsin football is losing key offensive analyst Rob Everett to the Miami Dolphins, according to FootballScoop‘s Doug Samuels.

Everett joined the Badgers program entering the 2023 season. He previously spent a year under Phil Longo at North Carolina, then followed the offensive coordinator to his position at Wisconsin. FootballScoop writes that Everett was a “senior offensive analyst for the Badgers, where in addition to working with the Wisconsin quarterbacks, he worked on opponent breakdowns, scouting reports and leading edge football technology.”

The assistant also coached Wisconsin’s wide receivers in preparation for the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl after position coach Mike Brown left for Notre Dame.

He is reportedly off to the NFL. Samuels reports that Wisconsin “already has new staff in place and isn’t looking to fill openings related to this move.”

Sources: Wisconsin and Luke Fickell are losing a key staffer to Miami Dolphins https://t.co/N7GAQxrSj6

— Doug Samuels 🏈 (@CoachSamz) April 8, 2024

[lawrence-related id=74034,73780,74398,73766,74030]

Wisconsin’s Phil Longo one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in college football

Wisconsin football stepped up its game in November of 2022 with the hire of Luke Fickell, one of the industry’s hottest young names. The move marked a substantial philosophical change by Chris McIntosh and the athletic department. It was a clear attempt to invest in an infrastructure that can compete in the modern age of college athletics.

The results will not be known for years. But the desire was clear: to compete in the new age of college football.

The program overhaul most notably included the hire of well-thought-of offensive coordinator Phil Longo and the installation of his air raid offense. Longo brought an impressive track record from years at North Carolina and Ole Miss. He was one of the bigger names in the sport, and brought a wave of excitement and optimism. Results have been mixed so far — Wisconsin finished the 2023 season with SP+’s No. 86-ranked offense, its worst mark in years. But optimism still exists entering 2024.

The addition of Longo and the rest of the Badgers staff required investment by McIntosh and his department. That is seen in Longo’s reported salary, which is among the highest in the sport.

Here are those rankings, according to FootballScoop:

(Note: it does not include some of 2024’s newest hires including Ohio State OC Chip Kelly, as those salaries have not yet been reported)

Salary: $1.85 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 65

Salary: $1.75 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 51

Salary: $1.65 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 15

Salary: $1.60 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (at Kansas): No. 17

Salary: $1.50 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 13

Salary: $1.50 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (at Texas A&M): No. 20

Salary: $1.40 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 97

Salary: $1.40 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 123

Salary: $1.40 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 1

Salary: $1.325 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 6

Salary: $1.30 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (as TE coach at Washington): No. 5

Salary: $1.25 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating (at Boise State): No. 29

Salary: $1.25 million

2023 SP+ Offense Rating: No. 86

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion. Follow Ben Kenney on X.

Wisconsin HC Greg Gard says Badgers have ‘almost tripled NIL funds over the last year’

Promising news for Badgers fans:

Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard joined Milwaukee’s 97.3 The Game Thursday afternoon and discussed everything from the end of the 2023-24 season to the state of the program’s name, image and likeness licensing funds.

The interview comes at the start of a critical offseason for Gard and his program. The Badgers must replace the departed production of Tyler Wahl and A.J. Storr, address depth after the departures of Connor Essegian and Gus Yalden and find a replacement for Dean Oliver on the coaching staff.

Here is everything Gard said on those topics, including a note that the Badgers have “almost tripled NIL funds over the last year:”

On turnover within the roster:

“Met with the team right after we got back from Brooklyn, the next day, and just addressed the white elephant of the portal. And knowing that ‘hey, some of you guys might have other opportunities, some of you may want to test the NBA waters and get feedback, some of you may want to jump two feet into it — referring to A.J. (Storr)'” Gard said. “Also knowing that other opportunities are going to come out there — poaching is real. We don’t need to duck it. … I addressed all those things.”

On the state of the sport and how to manage it:

“I think every case is different. Every player is different. A lot of players have agents now. … For AJ, it was a business decision, which I’m completely supportive of. He wants to chase the NBA dream. I want players who want to chase the NBA dreams. He’s going to test that water and run as far as he can. Then there’s also business decisions to make within the portal. For him, he’s in a category where those numbers are real. That’s just the business we’re in right now. For him, he’s gotta decide what’s the best option for him and the business part of that weighs into it more than it did three years ago, let alone 5-10 years ago.”

On the coaching staff change:

“It was my decision to make a change on my staff and move forward. Coach (Dean) Oliver did a good job for us. But I have to continue to move forward, and push this thing forward. We’re not going to stay in maintenance mode, we’re not going to stay status quo.”

On the Badgers’ NIL efforts:

“My staff and I, led really by coach (Joe) Krabbenhoft, started this initiative over a year ago of our ‘sixth man society’ as part of the Varsity Collective. Put a lot of boots on the ground raising funds. We’ve been able to almost triple our NIL collective in terms of men’s basketball in a year.”

[lawrence-related id=73207,73631,72531,71615]

Wisconsin HC Greg Gard clarifies Kirk Penney’s role, the open position on his coaching staff

Wisconsin basketball head coach Greg Gard joined 97.3 The Game this week and discussed numerous topics, including the turnover on his coaching staff.

His staff is in a state of flux. Longtime assistant coach Dean Oliver recently left the program, and there are rumors that top assistant Joe Krabbenhoft is in consideration for a head coach position elsewhere.

Gard clarified that the program is searching for Oliver’s replacement, and the position will include recruiting off campus. He added that program legend Kirk Penney will be on staff as a full-time analyst.

Greg Gard … "Kirk Penney will be on our staff as a full-time analyst in charge of offense."

— EricTheRed (@RealEricTheRed) April 5, 2024

Further clarification on Kirk Penney's role:

He will not recruit on the road. He will be part of offensive strategy, skill instruction, game planning, scouting, and on-campus recruiting.

Dean Oliver's position will be filled by a new coach who will recruit off campus.

— EricTheRed (@RealEricTheRed) April 5, 2024

Penney joined Gard’s staff as a special assistant in November 2023. It appears his responsibilities will grow with another season and the departure of Oliver.

Wisconsin remains on the hunt for Oliver’s full-time replacement as the program prepares for a critical 2024-25 season.

[lawrence-related id=73207,73631,72531,71615]

Former Wisconsin outside linebacker joins Badgers’ recruiting department

Former Wisconsin outside linebacker Izayah Green-May has returned to the Badgers program to work in the recruiting department, according to his post on X.

Green-May initially joined the program as a four-star recruit in the class of 2017. He redshirted his first season before appearing in six games for the Badgers as a freshman in 2018.

Injuries then defined the rest of his collegiate career. The promising outside linebacker was atop the depth chart entering both 2019 and 2020 before injuries in the opening game derailed his season.

His Badgers career ended with eight tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack.

Green-May transferred to Northern Illinois for the 2022 campaign after an injury-riddled five-year Wisconsin career. His final season became his best, as the former Badger recorded 34 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

Yes! Announcing/Confirming I am now working with @BadgerFootball in the Recruiting Department! I appreciate the warm welcome back!! #OnWisconsin ⚪️🔴🦡🦡 https://t.co/P4v2oVEy7F

— Izayah Green-May (@__izayahh) April 5, 2024

He now joins Luke Fickell’s recruiting department as a bridge from the old program to the new.

[lawrence-related id=74083,74235,72531,71609,71607]

Wisconsin basketball longtime assistant coach announces he’s leaving the program

Greg Gard loses one of his long-time assistants

Wisconsin basketball assistant coach Dean Oliver announced he was leaving the Badgers program on Wednesday night.

Oliver has been a mainstay on Greg Gard’s staff for the last seven years since joining the program after the 2017 season.

“Today, I informed Coach Gard that I am moving on from the University of Wisconsin,” Oliver wrote in a post on X. “It was an honor and a privilege to have coached here, and while I am excited to take the next step in my career, I know that my experiences as a Badger will stay with me forever. Most of all, a huge thank you to all the incredible student-athletes, coaches, and other staff that helped make my time here such a great experience.”

Oliver departs after helping lead Wisconsin through a rocky seven-year stretch of basketball. The stretch included multiple Big Ten regular-season titles (2020, 2022) and two years of missing the NCAA Tournament entirely (2018, 2023).

This news comes after Wisconsin top assistant Joe Krabbenhoft was recently linked to a head coach opening. Krabbenhoft remains on staff at the moment, but 2024-25 could see a large-scale turnover under Gard on the coaching staff.

Thanks for everything Coach❤️ https://t.co/U3gXuakt24

— John Blackwell (@_Johnblackwell1) April 4, 2024

Oliver’s departure has many assuming Iowa, his alma mater, could be the next destination. He played for the Hawkeyes from 1997-2001 before a brief NBA career and lengthy playing career oversees.

Gard, meanwhile, has work to do on the roster and now on the coaching staff as he and the program enter a pivotal 2024-25 season.

[lawrence-related id=74073,74235,74146,73790,73631]

Cowboys finalize 2024 coaching staff; WR coach Robert Prince adds new duties

From @ToddBrock24f7: Prince will add pass game coordinator to his existing job duties. Al Harris’ promotion is official; other staff tweaks were announced.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has put the final touches on his staff for the 2024 season, and several assistants have received promotions for the coming year.

Defensive backs coach Al Harris has, as expected and previously reported, been officially named the team’s assistant head coach, a role he’ll add to his current duties. The former Pro Bowl cornerback started on the coaching track when he interned with Joe Philbin’s Dolphins in 2012; he reunited with McCarthy, his onetime Packers coach, in Dallas in 2020.

“Al has been such an impactful member of our coaching staff and team,” McCarthy said, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “I’m looking forward to his leadership in this expanded role. He’s a highly effective mentor and motivator, and our entire team will benefit from him taking this elevated step. Al’s dedication, teamwork, understanding of the game, and experience in developing the unique dynamics necessary to support a championship locker room are all a part of his special fit for this.”

🚨 Official:

🔑 Al Harris has been named assistant head coach in addition to his existing role — the #Cowboys rewarding him for his continued excellence.

🔑 Robert Prince ALSO takes on a promotion as pass game coordinator, vacated by Joe Whitt Jr.

The finalized 2024 staff: pic.twitter.com/Yucr6V5D8H

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 19, 2024

Harris isn’t the only Cowboys staffer adding new responsibilities to his plate.

Robert Prince, the team’s wide receivers coach for the past two seasons and a veteran NFL and college coach for the better part of the past three decades, will serve as Cowboys’ new pass game coordinator. That role was previously held by Joe Whitt Jr., who left this offseason to become the Commanders’ new defensive coordinator under Dan Quinn.

Prince, 58, has previous experience as pass game coordinator at both Boise State and Colorado.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

ESPN’s Todd Archer points out a handful of other tweaks made to the Dallas org chart. Game management specialist Ryan Feder adds the title of assistant quarterbacks coach, assistant defensive backs coach Cannon Matthews becomes the new full-time safeties coach (after filling in for Whitt during the 2023 season), and assistant tight ends coach Chase Haslett is now listed as the Cowboys’ pass game specialist.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[mm-video type=video id=01hrfv2g7tmnx427d759 playlist_id=01eqbwens7sctqdrqg player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01hrfv2g7tmnx427d759/01hrfv2g7tmnx427d759-5b5d6c935cdf1c226b4582c27f5aebdb.jpg]

[lawrence-newsletter]

Notre Dame Football: Irish reportedly losing key staffer to Big Ten

More moves for Fighting Irish football…

According to FootballScoop, Notre Dame is losing a key member of their football staff.

Butler Benton joined the Notre Dame staff as Assistant Athletic Director for Player Personnel in April of 2023 after spending the two previous seasons as the General Manager at the University of Arkansas.

Accoring to the FootballScoop report:

Sources tell FootballScoop that Benton has left his post as the assistant athletic director to become the new GM for DeShaun Foster at UCLA.

The report goes on to mention that the deal could be announced as early as Monday. Benton heading to UCLA sets him up to return to the Big Ten where he served as the player personnel coordinator at Michigan State under Mark Dantonio.

Former NFL HC Mike Vrabel takes new football job in Ohio

The Mike Vrabel-to-Wisconsin news looks less likely

Well, this news may make Mike Vrabel joining Wisconsin as an analyst or special assistant more challenging, if not impossible.

The former NFL Coach of the Year is signing on with the Cleveland Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant, according to reports from ESPN’s Field Yates and Adam Schefter.

This move comes after the Tennessee Titans fired the longtime head coach after a disappointing 6-11 2023 season.

Vrabel moves back to the state of Ohio, where he and Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell shared the field for several years at Ohio State.

Fickell had said at a press conference in February that Vrabel may be around Wisconsin football ‘in some capacity’ this offseason. This news does not make that impossible, though it certainly makes it seem a lot less likely.

Browns are hiring former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel as a coaching and personnel consultant, per @FieldYates and me. Vrabel now returns to Ohio, where he was a standout Ohio State LB. pic.twitter.com/NPhXHhTe1q

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024

Wisconsin football is set to begin spring practice later this month in preparation for the 2024 season.

For more 2024 season preview work, we’ve already ranked all 18 programs in the Big Ten, ranked the 18 starting quarterbacks, ranked all 18 head coaches, predicted each Big Ten team’s 2024 record, looked at the early College Football Playoff tiers, made bold predictions for the season and checked in on the Las Vegas win totals for each team in the conference.