Wisconsin football adviser Jack Del Rio has resigned after being arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated following a crash in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday. This incident has raised questions about accountability and the responsibilities of those in leadership positions.
On Monday, head coach Luke Fickell confirmed that the 61-year-old Del Rio would step down from his role with the Badgers. Fickell expressed the weight of the situation, stating, “He’s going to move forward, and 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.”
According to Madison police, Del Rio was taken into custody early Friday morning for a first-offense OWI after his vehicle collided with a stop sign, damaged a fence, and ultimately came to rest in a yard. Officers reported that Del Rio was attempting to leave the scene and exhibited signs of impairment when they arrived at 12:35 a.m.
Del Rio joined the Wisconsin coaching staff in August after a four-year tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. His time in the NFL has been marked by ups and downs, including his dismissal 12 games into the 2023 season. He has also served as a coordinator for the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos.
With a 93-94 record over a 12-year head coaching career that included positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders, Del Rio’s professional journey has been significant. He also has a notable past as a linebacker in the NFL for a decade following a successful college career at USC.
As the Badgers prepare for their upcoming game against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks, they find themselves in a challenging position, having lost their last two matches. Currently, Wisconsin stands at 5-4 with a 3-3 record in the Big Ten.
