Wisconsin outlines contract and buyout details for coach Luke Fickell

Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell enters his fourth season with the Badgers holding a 17-21 overall record. His current contract, signed in 2022, runs through March 31, 2030, with a base salary of $7.8 million for the 2026 season. Should the university fire Fickell without cause, the buyout is estimated between $21.3 million and $22.8 million depending on the timing of the termination. Fickell is contractually required to seek new coaching employment if released, which would offset the university's buyout obligations. Amid fan frustration and a decline in season ticket sales, new athletic director Shawn Eichorst has expressed a general preference for evaluating coaching performance at the end of the season rather than during the schedule. Fickell is also eligible for performance bonuses ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 based on the team's win total for the 2026 regular season.

• 6:46 PMYahoo Sports — Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell's contract, salary, buyout in 2026