Jack Del Rio is stepping down from the Wisconsin coaching staff following his recent OWI arrest, according to Badgers head coach Luke Fickell.
Fickell opened his Monday press conference with a statement on the situation:
“Obviously we take everything incredibly seriously that happens, with our student-athletes or our staff,” Fickell began. “We had an issue this weekend that I think our administration has released a statement already. That happened with Jack Del Rio on Thursday. I’ve been in communication on Friday with our administration, and have had some communication with Jack, have sat down with him. He’ll be releasing a statement here I would imagine shortly after the press conference. That he’s going to move forward, he’s going to resign and move on. It’s a tough situation, decisions that all of us have to be able to take full responsibility for. So that’s what Jack will do and we’ll continue to move forward.”
Del Rio then released the following:
“I’m grateful to Coach Fickell and the University of Wisconsin for the opportunity to work with such a talented coaching and support staff and some of the best young football players in the country. I have decided to step away from my position with the team, so they can focus all their attention on the remainder of the season.”
Here are further details of the incident, as first reported by BadgerExtra’s Colten Bartholomew.
Update here: Coach Luke Fickell says Del Rio is resigning.
“It’s a tough situation, decisions that all of us have to be able to take full responsibility for. So that’s what Jack will do and we’ll continue to move forward.” https://t.co/mBHoZo5Qj7
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 11, 2024
Del Rio originally joined the Badgers staff over the summer after a long coaching tenure in the NFL, including as defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders (2020-23), head coach for the then-Oakland Raiders (2015-17), defensive coordinator for Denver Broncos (2012-14) and head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-11).
Wisconsin (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) is back on the field on Saturday, Nov. 16 against the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks, needing just one more win to clinch bowl eligibility.
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