2022 Wisconsin Badgers Football Preview: Coaches

Head coach Paul Chryst returns for his eighth in Madison. Under him, Wisconsin has never had a losing season and has only lost one bowl game. To every Badgers fan’s delight, Chryst will have some of his responsibilities on offense delegated. This offseason, there was lots of movement on the Badgers staff. This included replacing their longtime offensive line coach, hiring a new inside linebackers coach and offensive coordinator, and moving someone to be in charge of recruiting.

Bobby Engram

The biggest news to come out of the offseason is the hiring of Bobby Engram as offensive coordinator. With Mickey Turner becoming in charge of recruiting, Engram will also be taking over the tight ends as well. Prior to coming to Madison, Engram spent the past three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens coaching the tight ends. He had also previously been a part of Paul Chryst’s staff at Pittsburgh as a wide receivers coach from 2012-2013. This will be the first time in his career that has been an offensive coordinator at any level. Engram will be tasked with injecting new ideas and creativity into the Badgers offense. It has yet to be determined whether he will be the play-caller or not.

Jim Leonhard

Another coaching heading coaching hiring cycle has come and gone and Jim Leonhard returns again. This will be his sixth season overall and fifth as the defensive coordinator. Last season was a banner year for his defense as they finished in first place in many major categories. They also shattered a 70-year-old program record for average rushing yards given up per game. In 2021, the Badgers only gave up an average of 64.8 yards per game. The previous record was 66.8 and they played just nine games at the time.

With how well Leonhard’s defenses perform every season; fans always wonder every season if this will be Jim Leonhard’s final year in Madison. It seems as though it’s just a matter of time before some school gives him an offer he can’t refuse. The only thing that’s keeping him in Madison is his deep love for the University. Fans should be thankful he isn’t in a rush to leave.

Bob Bostad

With Joe Rudolph departing for Virginia Tech, Bob Bostad has been moved back to the offensive line. Since returning to Madison, Bostad spent the past four seasons coaching the inside linebackers. From 2008-2011, Bostad coached some fantastic offensive lines. During that time, he coached one Outland Trophy winner, two All-Americans, and six All-Big Ten players. Six of his players were drafted by NFL teams. Bostad has had great success coaching the offensive line and he’ll get it back to where it needs to be.

Gary Brown

Gary Brown returns for his second season as the running backs coach. Brown had a highly successful first season in Madison. Despite having three running backs dismissed from the program; the Badgers’ rushing attack didn’t miss a beat. He has turned Braelon Allen into one of the best running backs in the country and Chez Mellusi has had success as well. Had Mellusi not gotten hurt, the Badgers might have had two 1,000-yard rushers for the first time since 2013. With both backs returning this season, I expect the success will continue.

Hank Poteat

Cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat returns for his second season as well. Last year, Paul Chryst decided to take the cornerbacks from Jim Leonhard’s plate and hire Poteat instead of a QB coach. Under his tutelage, Caesar Williams picked off a career-best three passes. Williams was also named as an All-Big Ten Conference performer. While he didn’t have an interception, Faion Hicks had a career-high in passes defended with ten. It seems as though the early returns on this hire are promising.

Bill Sheridan

With Bob Bostad moving over to the offensive line, the Badgers went out and hired Bill Sheridan to coach the inside linebackers. Prior to coming to Wisconsin, he spent the past two seasons coaching the defensive line at Air Force. Sheridan brings over 40 years of coaching experience in both college and the NFL. He has spent a majority of that time coaching linebackers in both college and the pros. He’s also no stranger to the Big Ten as his travels have taken him to both Michigan and Michigan State. He’ll be tasked with figuring out the next starting inside linebackers.

Bobby April

Returning for his fifth season as the outside linebackers coach at Wisconsin is Bobby April. Since coming to Wisconsin, the outside linebackers have thrived under his coaching. Under his watch, he has coached one All-American, three All-Big Ten players, and two of his linebackers were drafted. Nick Herbig burst onto the scene in a big way last season under April’s coaching. He registered career highs in every major statistical category. I expect the outside linebackers to continue to thrive in 2022.

Ross Kolodziej

Ross Kolodziej returns for his fifth season overall and second as the defensive line coach. His first season was a success. Keeanu Benton and Matt Henningsen were selected as All-Big Ten Conference performers. While it didn’t show up in the statistics, the linemen were great at taking on blocks so the linebackers thrive. In a 3-4 alignment, it’s hard to get recognition as a defensive lineman due to doing most of the dirty work. However, the Badgers’ defensive line wouldn’t have been the best in the country without them taking away blockers.

Alvis Whitted

Alvis Whitted comes back to Wisconsin for his third season on the staff. While Wisconsin has been a run-first team, they’ve still managed to develop playmakers in the passing attack. He turned Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor into dependable playmakers. The Badgers are trying to expand on their passing game more making Whitted’s impact more seen. Markus Allen and Chimere Dike look promising and Whitted will continue to develop them into more dangerous weapons.

Chris Haering

Special teams coordinator Chris Haering is returning for his eighth season at Wisconsin. He is the longest-tenured coach on staff as he has been with Chryst since he was named head coach. His unit will be looking to bounce back from what was a trying year in 2021. While kicker Collin Larsh had a good year, the rest of the special teams unit struggled. Between injuries and transfers, it’s hard to have success with all that going on. However, his unit did seem to find success towards the end of the season. With a brand new unit to work with, rebounding from last year’s struggles will be the goal for him.

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