Wisconsin Football Taps E.J. Whitlow as New Defensive Line Coach

In a move that underscores the value of networking in the coaching world, Luke Fickell, head coach of the University of Wisconsin football team, has appointed E.J. Whitlow as the Badgers’ new defensive line coach, according to a report from Pete Thamel of ESPN. 

Badgernotes.com was able to confirm this report on Thursday afternoon. 

Sources: Wisconsin is expected to hire E.J. Whitlow as the school’s new defensive line coach. He’s the defensive ends coach at Air Force and was previously at Miami of Ohio. As the line coach at Grand Valley State, Whitlow coached current Patriots star Matthew Judon.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 22, 2024

Whitlow brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having spent the past two seasons coaching defensive ends at Air Force. His journey also includes stints at Miami (Ohio), Division II Grand Valley State, and Division II Notre Dame College. 

Notably, Whitlow previously worked alongside Wisconsin Badgers outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell during his tenure at Grand Valley State from 2014 to 2017.

Wisconsin Football Hires E.J. Whitlow as Defensive Line Coach 

This appointment comes as Wisconsin football sought to fill the void left by former defensive line coach Greg Scruggs, who departed for a similar role at Michigan. While this marks E.J. Whitlow’s first foray into coaching at a Power 4 team, he has extensive recruiting experience in the Midwest.

Notably, under Whitlow’s guidance, the 2019 Miami (OH) team recorded an impressive 38 sacks, with 28 attributed to defensive linemen. During his time with the Red Hawks, Withlow developed eight All-Conference players.

In 2022, Withlow helped guide the Air Force to the No. 1 ranking nationally in total defense (254.4 ypg). His unit also helped the Falcons rank sixth in rushing defense (95.3).

Last year, Withlow’s defensive line ranked top 11 nationally in both rushing yards per game allowed (95.6) and rushing yards per attempt (3.2).

Moreover, Whitlow’s connections to the Wisconsin football coaching staff run deep. He previously coached linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. during his tenure at Miami. Pace later played under Luke Fickell and Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel during his time at Cincinnati.

Wisconsin’s defensive line faced noticeable challenges in 2023 after losing Keeanu Benton to the NFL Draft, particularly in causing disruption and generating a pass rush. Collectively, the Badgers position group registered only 59 pressures (4.5 per game) all season and 4.5 sacks.

James Thompson Jr. was responsible for 3.0 of those sacks and 18 pressures, making him one of the only proven impact players on the Wisconsin Badgers defensive line heading into 2024.

With a strong incoming class bolstering the team, including transfer portal addition Elijah Hills and highly-rated recruits Ernest Willor Jr., Dillan Johnson, and Hank Weber, Wisconsin football aims to revitalize its defensive line under Whitlow’s guidance.

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