Wisconsin decided to move on from offensive line coach AJ Blazek after a lackluster year of line play. It was a sad loss as Blazek was an easy guy to like, but a necessary loss as the Badgers really need to get back to the top of the football world in offensive line units. The Badgers then went on to hire Eric Mateos, one of the fastest-rising and most respected line coaches in the country.
For Blazek, he was able to rebound quickly and find a new place to coach. It was announced yesterday that UCF has hired Blazek after their former OL coach passed away due to a medical emergency back in September. AJ will join the Knights straight away to help them add linemen as the portal opens in January.
BREAKING: #UCF is expected to hire AJ Blazek as its new offensive line coach, according to a source. He would replace Shawn Clark, who passed away in September after a medical emergency.https://t.co/K8v2FFYnr8 pic.twitter.com/4VBODjXiBK
— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) December 22, 2025
AJ Blazek has been hired as the offensive line coach for the UCF Knights
Related: Eric Mateos' quote about Wisconsin shows he's the perfect fit for the Badgers
Blazek does have some familiarity with another coach on the staff, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. While they won't be working on the same side of the ball, you have to assume that Grinch was consulted in Scott Frost's (UCF head coach) decision to hire Blazek.
Blazek was the offensive line coach for two seasons at Wisconsin, both in 2024 and 2025. Neither year was all that successful along the front line for the Badgers. However, there's a chance it could be due to investment in the line. Regardless, Wisconsin is known for great offensive line play, and the goal needs to be that it continues to be known for that.
It's good for Blazek to find a new home, and he will probably have great success under Frost at UCF. But it's also great for Wisconsin to bring in a new leader, developer, and recruiter for Wisconsin in Eric Mateos.