Wisconsin Badgers hire Jeff Grimes as offensive coordinator
The Wisconsin Badgers have officially announced the hiring of Kansas' Jeff Grimes as their offensive coordinator.
The Wisconsin Badgers have officially announced the hire of Jeff Grimes as the program's next offensive coordinator.
Grimes, who served as the offensive coordinator at Kansas this past season under Lance Leipold and previously held the same role at both Baylor and BYU, brings a well established, run-centric philosophy with him to Madison.
His addition comes as Luke Fickell aims to revamp the Badgers’ offense following an underwhelming 5-7 season in 2024.
“We’re excited to welcome Coach Grimes to our staff,” Luke Fickell said in a press release. “He has experience at the highest level of college football and a proven record of success everywhere he’s been. He has shown the ability to evaluate athletes and build a scheme around the strengths of his personnel.
“He’ll bring a multiplicity of offense that balances a hard-nosed run game with a vertical passing attack. I’m looking forward to working with him and his impact on our young men.”
Grimes is known for his "RVO" — reliable, violent, offense — which places an emphasis on playing with physicality, balance, and efficiency. Grimes' system leans on a rushing attack, complemented by explosive downfield passing concepts and an "attacking" mindset.
At Kansas, Grimes helped guide the Jayhawks' offense to finish 6th nationally in EPA per rush, 8th in EPA per play, and 13th in yards per play (6.4). The balanced offensive attack was able to convert 50% of its third downs, the third-best mark in the country, and ranked 21st in EPA per dropback, demonstrating its efficiency on the ground and through the air.
Wisconsin football, by contrast, struggled mightily on offense in 2024 under Phil Longo, ranking 87th in yards per play (5.2), 111th in third-down conversions (34.5%), and sitting at 104th nationally in EPA per dropback and 100th in EPA per rush. Simply put, the Badgers offense lacked any defining strengths to hang their hat on.
“My family and I are grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the Wisconsin football program,” said Grimes. “Having been around college football for more than 30 years, I have long admired the history and tradition at Wisconsin, and in particular the blue-collar, tough foundation that has led them to sustained success. I’m excited to blend that physical approach with an offense that attacks in a variety of ways.
“I’m thankful to Coach Fickell and the administration for believing in me, and I recognize the responsibility of helping build upon the great tradition at Wisconsin, and I can’t wait to get started."
Grimes’ arrival represents a much-needed return and perhaps even a shift toward blending the physical run-first identity Wisconsin is known for with the inventiveness needed to compete in modern college football.
If paired with the right quarterback's coach—a role Fickell hinted at addressing—Grimes' hire could set the foundation for a more balanced and productive offense. Coach Fickell needs this offensive coordinator hire to work out, or he may not get the opportunity to make another.
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I hope it's a step in the right direction.