Badger’s head football coach contract buyout would cost $25M

Universities have paid over a billion dollars since 2004 to buy out college football coaches' contracts. The 2025 season alone saw over $200 million in buyouts for coaches dismissed without cause. Wisconsin's head football coach, Luke Fickell, would have had the fifth-highest buyout if let go this season, costing the University of Wisconsin around $25 million. This buyout includes 80% of his remaining contract and requires Fickell to search for a comparable job. His current contract extends to 2032 with monthly payments of approximately $353,000 if dismissed.

Fickell opted against a contract extension this season, which would not affect the buyout but would include a salary increase contingent on satisfactory performance reviews. His contract includes performance incentives worth up to $1.45 million, with bonuses for achievements such as winning the Big Ten Championship or the national championship. Additional benefits for Fickell include travel allowances, car allowances, a country club membership, and a