NFL GM urges fans to be patient with Luke Fickell: 'He will have big success'

Many Wisconsin fans are ready to move on from Luke Fickell, others have determined that this year may be the make-or-break year even with the toughest schedule in the Big Ten, and some are still demanding patience. Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard is one of those in the final category.

Ballard is a former player at Wisconsin who had to medically retire his senior year due to a knee injury. Thus, he isn't weighing in as some outside voice looking in. He's a fan of the Badgers, and his career in the NFL has shown him that sometimes patience is better in the long run.

Ballard appeared on the ESPN Madison radio show and discussed his belief in Luke Fickell as the man to turn Wisconsin around and propel the Badgers toward success. He thinks fans simply need to show a little more patience as the building towards the future continues.

Colts GM Chris Ballard calls Luke Fickell a great coach and someone who will enjoy success at Wisconsin

Chris Ballard started his NFL personnel career as a scout for the Chicago Bears and worked his way into a director of pro scouting. He then took a job with the Kansas City Chiefs to become their director of player personnel, and once again, he got a promotion with the Chiefs to director of football operations. He has been the General Manager of the Indianapolis Colts since 2017. He's seen a lot of players and talent come through the college ranks.

He said that Fickell is not only good at identifying talent but also developing it, mentioning Sauce Gardner and Alec Pierce, specifically from Cincinnati under Fickell. "These kids were 2-star, 3-star recruits that ended up being great NFL players...He thought he did an unbelievable job at Cincinnati."

He went on to say the line that inspired both the clip above and this article:

"It's gonna be fun to watch the transition especially with the new offensive coordinator and what they do. But look, I believe in Luke, I think he's an outstanding coach. He is exactly what the university needs and he will have big success."

Chris Ballard, Colts GM

This is a pretty solid recommendation for a person who has had long-term success in the NFL. He has had to evaluate talent, both players and coaches, and build a roster. He's looking over Luke Fickell's shoulder and remains impressed even though the record has yet to show it. Chris Ballard reminds fans to remain patient and watch Fickell build.