What has seemed like an eternally long search appears to be over, as multiple outlets including FootballScoop.com and Badger247 are reporting that long-rumored candidate, Justin Wilcox, will indeed be named the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin.
At Wisconsin, sources tell us Justin Wilcox is finalizing terms to become the new defensive coordinator https://t.co/sNnVtyuq1F
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) January 27, 2016
We had previously reported to watch for his name to be at the top of the list following a few tips and reports earlier in January.
However, with the Badgers looking to close out a big 2016 recruiting class, getting a defensive coordinator in place before national signing day next Wednesday was vital.
Wilcox comes to the Badgers after three seasons at the helm of the USC defense and working as a defensive coordinator at Boise State, Tennessee and Washington previously.
He has had a knack for turning around faltering defenses in the past, particularly at Washington. Wilcox got to Washington in 2012 after the Huskies defense ranked 105th or worst in every major statistical category. In 2012, the Huskies were in the Top 40 in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense — a mighty improvement over just the previous season.
It is expected that Wilcox will be officially named the defensive coordinator by the end of the week and will be visiting 4-star defensive lineman Garrett Rand immediately — looking to shore up a commitment that has seen UCLA get involved late in the process.
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