Phil Longo Fired as Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator Following Third Straight Loss
MADISON, Wis. — After a disappointing 16-13 defeat to No. 1 Oregon, Wisconsin’s football team has made a significant change, parting ways with offensive coordinator Phil Longo. Coach Luke Fickell announced Longo’s dismissal on Sunday, emphasizing the necessity for improvement in the program. “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,” Fickell stated in a university release.
The move comes as Wisconsin’s record has dropped to 5-5, jeopardizing a streak of 22 consecutive winning seasons—the longest active run in the Football Bowl Subdivision, second only to Boise State. Longo joined Wisconsin prior to the 2023 season, drawing attention for his Air Raid offensive style, which marked a departure from the Badgers’ traditional ground game. Prior to Wisconsin, he had successful tenures as offensive coordinator at North Carolina and Mississippi, where he developed NFL talents like Sam Howell and Drake Maye.
However, Longo’s time with the Badgers has been underwhelming. In the previous season, Wisconsin finished with a 7-6 record and recorded its lowest scoring average since 2004, at 23.5 points per game. This season, while attempts to return to a more balanced offense seen 55.2% of plays being run, the results remain underwhelming, with the team averaging just 23.9 points per game during a three-game losing streak that has seen them score a mere 36 points.
As Wisconsin aims to salvage its season, the departure of Longo marks a critical moment for the program. Fickell’s commitment to finding success moving forward will now be paramount as the Badgers head into the final stretch of the season.
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