The Wisconsin Badgers football team is working to improve upon last season’s performance, and they have made a strategic decision to promote a coach from within their ranks. Assistant defensive backs coach Jack Cooper has been elevated to the role of safeties coach, a position previously held by Alex Grinch, who is now the defensive coordinator at Central Florida.
Cooper’s promotion is just one of several changes the Badgers are implementing this season following their disappointing 2024 campaign, during which they missed bowl eligibility for the first time in 22 years. He brings experience to the position, having previously held a similar role at Nebraska.
His profile on the University of Wisconsin website highlights his achievements as a defensive coach. Notably, during his first full season overseeing the defense at Rhode Island in 2021, the team significantly improved in several key areas, including scoring (up 63 spots), yards per play (87 spots), and sacks per game (68 spots). His efforts contributed to Rhode Island’s 7-4 record that year, marking the team’s highest win total since 2001.
Despite his prior experience, Cooper faces a challenge with inexperienced players under his guidance as the Badgers underwent substantial changes during the offseason, including the hiring of a new offensive coordinator, Jeff Grimes. Additionally, several players have entered the transfer portal, particularly on defense, resulting in Cooper being responsible for six new additions to the team. Among these newcomers are Matt Jung and Matthew Trayor, both expected to likely start, along with Remington Moss, Grant Dean, Jaimier Scott, and Luke Emmerich, who are all part of the 2025 recruiting class.
