BREAKING NEWS: Former Wisconsin Badger NCAA head coach Paul Chryst now with Indiana Hoosiers, sent a message to Wisconsin Badger head coach Luke Fickell concerning his…see more

In a surprising and heartfelt gesture that has sparked widespread attention across the college football landscape, former Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst, now serving as a senior advisor with the Indiana Hoosiers, has reportedly reached out to current Badgers head coach Luke Fickell with a personal message congratulating him on his leadership and the remarkable progress of the Wisconsin program.

A Message of Respect and Recognition

According to sources within both programs, Chryst’s message—delivered via a private phone call and later referenced in public comments—was described as “respectful, sincere, and supportive.”

“Luke is doing a phenomenal job,” Chryst reportedly told Hoosiers media in a brief statement after Indiana’s summer workouts. “The way he’s rebuilt the culture, refocused the team, and elevated the standard—it’s something I respect deeply. Wisconsin football is in great hands.”

A Shared Legacy, Not a Rivalry

Paul Chryst coached the Badgers from 2015 to 2022, compiling a 67–26 record and leading the team to multiple Big Ten Championship appearances and New Year’s Six bowl games. His tenure laid a strong foundation that Fickell has since built upon with a new wave of energy, recruiting power, and toughness.

Despite now being on a different Big Ten sideline, Chryst’s message reinforces the mutual respect and shared legacy between the two coaches.

“This isn’t about competition—it’s about carrying on a tradition of excellence,” one source close to Chryst said. “He wants to see the Badgers thrive, even if he’s coaching elsewhere now.”

Fickell Responds: “It Means a Lot”

When asked about the message, Coach Luke Fickell responded with appreciation:

“Coach Chryst built a winning culture here. For him to reach out and show support—it means a lot. We’re building on what came before, and our focus is on doing it the right way.”

Fickell has already made major strides since taking over in 2023, including improved recruiting rankings, a reinvigorated locker room culture, and growing national buzz around the program heading into the 2025 season.

Big Ten Implications

With Chryst now involved in Indiana’s football operations and Fickell steering Wisconsin into contender territory, the Badgers-Hoosiers rivalry may carry even more emotional weight going forward. Still, this exchange shows that college football—at its best—is about more than competition. It’s also about respect, mentorship, and shared values.