Luke Fickell has received a ton of backlash this year about his job performance both on and off the field. One of the most consistent areas of frustration among fans, boosters, and alumni is in his ability to build relationships with former football players. He's now trying to right that wrong by hiring a "Football Alumni Relations Coordinator," according to the University of Wisconsin job board.
It was only a few weeks ago that former player Collin Wilder spoke out on ESPN Radio, saying that Fickell is doing a terrible job with former players. While he isn't banning them or excluding them, Fickell isn't making them feel welcome or part of the program.
There was also a moment on Sunday Night Football in the NFL when two former Wisconsin players both said their high school during the player intros, rather than "Wisconsin." It may have been unintentional, but it was another reminder of this issue.
Former players have been around at times, but it doesn't seem like it's a key part of Fickell's plan or even outreach to them. Fans have noticed that fewer former players are hanging around than ever, and Fickell may have also agreed that he isn't good at this part of his job, so he's hiring it out.
The Football Alumni Relations Coordinator will also help with high school relationships
"This position serves as the primary liaison between former football student-athletes, coaches, and the current football staff and current student-athletes, fostering a lifelong connection that supports the program’s goals, traditions, and community presence."Job Posting: Football Alumni Relations
Oh, if you click on that job description, you know what else Fickell wants this person to do? Help with local high school relationships. It says, "In addition, this position will play a key role in building and maintaining positive relationships with high school coaches and athletic programs across the region and nation to support ongoing recruiting and community engagement efforts."
This is another thing that Fickell has been maligned for: his inability to keep up with local high schools and recruit the state well.
Fickell has created a position that will work to kill two birds with one stone. It's hard to know if this was his idea or part of the performance improvement plan laid out to him. These are two of the biggest complaints, and now he will have someone on his staff to help him with them.