Wisconsin has fired offensive coordinator Phil Longo following a tough 16-13 defeat to No. 1 Oregon, marking the Badgers’ third consecutive loss this season.
In a statement released by the university, Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said, “This morning, I informed Phil Longo that he will no longer serve as our offensive coordinator. After continuing to evaluate the program, I decided we are not where we need to be and believe this decision is in the best interest of the team. I appreciate Phil’s commitment to helping us build our program over the past two seasons and wish him well moving forward. This team still has a lot in front of us, and I am committed to doing everything we can to close out this season with success.”
Longo joined Wisconsin after a successful tenure as North Carolina’s offensive coordinator, where he developed NFL talents like Sam Howell and Drake Maye, the latter being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His arrival in Madison before the 2023 season drew significant attention due to his Air Raid offensive background, a stark contrast to Wisconsin’s traditional ground-and-pound style.
Unfortunately, the Badgers’ offense has struggled to replicate the success Longo experienced at North Carolina.
Currently, Wisconsin ranks 91st among all Football Bowl Subdivision teams in yards per game, averaging 363.1, and is tied for 97th in points per game.
The offense faltered once again in the recent match against Oregon, failing to secure a signature victory for Fickell. In the fourth quarter, the Badgers were outscored 10-0, managing no first downs and committing one turnover over their last four possessions.
Injuries have played a significant role in Longo’s challenges. Last season, starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai missed three-and-a-half games due to a broken hand. This year, Tyler Van Dyke suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the opening series of a September 14 loss to Alabama, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Braedyn Locke, who has taken over quarterback duties during these injuries, has completed just 53.1% of his career passes, throwing nine interceptions and nine touchdown passes this season.
To maintain their streak of bowl eligibility for a 23rd season, Wisconsin must win at least one of its next two games. This achievement would extend their record as the third-longest active streak among Power Four teams. Wisconsin is also aiming for its 23rd consecutive winning season, with only Boise State boasting a longer active streak of finishing above .500.
The Badgers will face Nebraska this Saturday before concluding the regular season on November 29 against Minnesota.
