Is Jeff Grimes making a mistake by leaving Kansas for Wisconsin?
- Jeff Grimes has been appointed as the new offensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin, making it his fourth coaching position in eight years.
- He previously directed one of the top rushing offenses in the Big 12 while coaching at Kansas, achieving impressive statistics.
- His hiring is part of Wisconsin's efforts to improve their offensive performance following a disappointing scoring average over the past two seasons.
In Madison, Wisconsin, Jeff Grimes has recently been appointed as the offensive coordinator for the University of Wisconsin football team, marking another significant step in his coaching career. This hire follows his tenure at Kansas, where he spent just one season. During his time with the Jayhawks, Grimes successfully directed one of the top rushing offenses in the Big 12, averaging an impressive 212 rushing yards per game, which ranked 12th nationally. Furthermore, the team averaged 29.7 points and 420.1 total yards per game, showcasing Grimes' effective offensive strategies. Prior to Kansas, Jeff Grimes held the position of offensive coordinator at Baylor from 2020 to 2022 and at BYU from 2018 to 2020. Throughout these roles, he displayed a consistent ability to develop a strong rushing game and foster a balanced offensive approach. Grimes has been recognized as a two-time finalist for the Frank Broyles Award, underscoring his reputation as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches in collegiate football. His hiring is particularly noteworthy as it follows the departure of Phil Longo, who was let go from the program last month after a decline in the team’s scoring average. Under Longo's guidance, Wisconsin experienced a troubling dip, finishing the previous season with a 7-6 record and an average of just 23.5 points per game—their lowest scoring performance since 2004. This alarming trend persisted into the current season, where the Badgers' scoring average dropped further to 22.6 points per game. Grimes is expected to revive Wisconsin's offensive strategies by introducing a more comprehensive approach. Badgers head coach Luke Fickell expressed his enthusiasm for Grimes, highlighting his extensive experience at the highest levels of college football and his proven track record. Fickell believes that Grimes' ability to assess player strengths and adapt offensive schemes accordingly will significantly benefit the team. His coaching philosophy combines a physical run game with a willingness to execute vertical passing plays, which is expected to bring a new dynamic to Wisconsin’s offense. As he prepares for this new role, many are eager to see how Grimes will influence player development and overall team performance moving forward.