Kenny Guiton’s path to becoming the quarterbacks coach for the University of Wisconsin football team has taken years to unfold.
After playing quarterback at Ohio State and coaching wide receivers since 2017, Guiton is now in the role he has always aspired to hold. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ early feedback indicates that hiring Guiton was a wise decision.
“I’m really impressed not just by his understanding of the game, but also his enthusiasm and energy for coaching this position,” Grimes stated. “We spoke to numerous candidates, interviewed several in person, and consulted with many over the phone. Ultimately, our offensive team and coach Fickell determined he was the best fit.”
Guiton’s background as a player, along with his diverse coaching experience, helped him stand out during the interview process. Despite spending much of his coaching career with wide receivers, his knowledge and enthusiasm for quarterbacking became evident.
“You can see his expertise as soon as he starts discussing the quarterback role,” Grimes commented. “This isn’t just a past experience for him; he clearly continues to learn and stay engaged.”
“He has a genuine passion for coaching this position, which is already resonating with our quarterbacks, and I’m excited about it too.”
For Guiton, this opportunity fulfills a longstanding ambition. During the last two weeks of Wisconsin’s regular season, he gained invaluable experience stepping in as the interim quarterback coach after Phil Longo’s departure, which helped him prepare for this permanent role.
“I’ve played the position throughout my life, and coaching it has always been my goal,” Guiton shared. “I’ve always wanted to influence quarterbacks directly.”
This season, Guiton will work to maximize the potential of Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr., who recorded 2,881 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2024, along with 215 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Edwards exhibits both mobility and a strong arm, and Guiton’s guidance will be crucial for his development. The objective is to provide him with dynamic receiving options, such as Vinny Anthony, Trech Kekahuna, Mark Hamper, and Tanner Koziol, along with a stronger offensive line compared to his previous experience at Maryland, to enhance his success in his last collegiate year.
Guiton will also focus on Danny O’Neil, a transfer from San Diego State who has three years of eligibility left. Having started 11 games last season, O’Neil is expected to serve as a valuable backup for Edwards and a possible future starter.
True freshman Carter Smith, a four-star dual-threat quarterback from Florida, will be behind O’Neil. He is among the most highly-rated recruits at his position in the program’s history. The coaching staff sees potential in him, likening his potential to that of former Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder.
“I believe these quarterbacks all bring a certain level of athleticism to the room. They each have the capability to perform well with their legs, which can create opportunities for our offense,” said Guiton. “You need a player who can erase mistakes, and I see that potential in all three. They are eager and ready to provide strong leadership.”
With the lifting of NCAA staffing limits, Wisconsin football can now dedicate full-time resources to this vital position, allowing the offensive coordinator to focus on broader aspects of the team.
This strategy aims to improve the team’s passing performance, as Wisconsin has ranked 101st and 104th in EPA per dropback over the past two seasons. While injuries have played a role in these struggles, even small gains in performance would represent meaningful progress.
