Wisconsin football adding MAC defensive coordinator as assistant coach
The Wisconsin Badgers have added another assistant coach with coordinator experience at a lower level to their staff.
The University of Wisconsin football program has added another experienced coach to its staff, welcoming Scott Power into the fold.
Power is expected to fill the assistant defensive backs role that was vacated by Jack Cooper, who was promoted to safeties coach following Alex Grinch's departure to become UCF's defensive coordinator.
Power arrives in Madison after serving as the associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and safeties coach at Western Michigan under Lance Taylor.
In his lone season as Western Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Power’s unit ranked 108th in total defense, allowing 31.3 points per game—107th nationally. According to Game on Paper, the Broncos’ defense finished 122nd in EPA per play (0.13), 125th in EPA per dropback, and 96th in EPA per rush attempt.
His coaching resume also includes coaching stints as defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M Commerce, Central Washington, and Marian. A Wisconsin native, Power played linebacker at UW-Platteville—where the Badgers have held the beginning of fall camp since head coach Luke Fickell took over the program.
This hire marks the latest in a series of offseason moves by coach Fickell, who has taken full advantage of the NCAA’s new rule allowing unlimited on-field coaches. Power is the second former Western Michigan coach to join Fickell’s staff this winter, alongside receivers coach Jordan Reid.
The Badgers have also bolstered its staff this offseason by adding Steve Rolan as an assistant receivers coach, Joe Ludwig to assist with tight ends, and elevating Tuf Borland from graduate assistant to linebackers coach.
It's worth noting that Wisconsin’s secondary has undergone significant turnover this offseason, with multiple players departing via the transfer portal, including four cornerbacks and two young safeties. There is also the Xavier Lucas situation, which has not yet been resolved.
That said, star cornerback Ricardo Hallman’s decision to return to Wisconsin brings some much-needed stability to the group. The secondary will lean heavily on position coach Paul Haynes and Power’s experience as they work to rebuild the team's depth on the back end.
Power joins a growing list of hires aimed at strengthening Wisconsin's coaching staff as the program enters a pivotal 2025 season under Fickell and a defense that needs to show clear signs of growth under Mike Tressel. As Power develops as a coach within the program, he could also emerge as a strong internal option for future opportunities.
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