Wisconsin Football Announces Appointment of Interim Quarterback Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dillon Graff | Last updated Nov 19, 2024 12:52 PM ET

Luke Fickell may have chosen to be tight-lipped and perhaps even a little testy when asked who would call plays for the Wisconsin Badgers on offense following Phil Longo's dismissal.

That said, Fickell did offer clarity on who will step in as the team’s interim quarterbacks coach.

“Kenny Guiton will be with the quarterbacks,” Fickell said. “We’ll kind of lump those guys together with the quarterbacks and wide receivers. We’ve got some other guys who will be able to help in that way too, but it’ll be a little bit more of a natural thing where those guys will be together with the quarterbacks and wide receivers.

"Kenny Guiton, who obviously has played and coached some quarterbacks, is going to be a guy that’s kind of around that room.”

Guiton, who was brought in as the Badgers wide receivers coach from Arkansas during the offseason, brings quarterbacking experience to the interim role for Wisconsin. A former Ohio State quarterback from 2009 to 2013, Guiton completed 89 of 134 pass attempts for 893 yards and 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions during his time with the Buckeyes.

Notably, Guiton's playing career overlapped with Fickell’s tenure as the Ohio State Buckeyes co-defensive coordinator, linebackers coach, and interim head coach during 2011—the program's last losing season.

Wisconsin has already made it clear that Braedyn Locke will remain the team's starting quarterback this week against the Cornhuskers, despite some fans calling for freshman Mabrey Mettauer to get a chance. As it stands, the Badgers sit at 113th nationally in EPA per dropback (-0.12).

The familiarity between Fickell and Guiton adds a layer of continuity to a team in flux as the 5-5 Badgers prepare for their final two regular-season matchups against Nebraska and Minnesota. For now, Guiton’s transition to working with quarterbacks provides a semblance of stability as Wisconsin football works to right the ship and push for bowl eligibility.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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