Former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio is joining the Wisconsin staff as a senior advisor to head coach Luke Fickell, The Athletic reported Thursday.
The former Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach will assist on both sides of the ball with the Badgers and be there for Fickell “to bounce ideas off,” per the report.
The Badgers, who were 7-6 in 2023, will kick off their second season under Fickell’s leadership on Friday night against Western Michigan in Madison, Wis.
Del Rio, 61, most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team/Commanders from 2020-23.
He compiled a 93-94 record with the Jaguars (2003-11) and Raiders (2015-17) and has also worked as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos (2012-14) and Carolina Panthers (2002), as well as previous coaching roles with the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.
Del Rio played linebacker for 11 NFL seasons with four teams from 1985-95, making the Pro Bowl with the Minnesota Vikings in 1994.
