Monday night had a surprise in store for Wisconsin, as a few different outlets were reporting that Michigan State was hiring away Badger running backs coach Devon Spalding. Which means that Luke Fickell, on the edge of the opening of the transfer portal, is not only looking for about 30+ starting-level players but also a new coach for his staff.
Wisconsin fans were quick to jump on X and share ideas for Luke Fickell to help him in the hiring process. The most common name among Badger Nation was James White, who just left his position as assistant running backs coach at Illinois to be the Benet Academy Head football coach.
Whats it gonna take? @SweetFeet_White@brian_calhoun2#ComeHome#RBUhttps://t.co/1BJEr4RLA7
— Badger_Recruiting (@Wi_Recruiting) December 30, 2025
@SweetFeet_White come back
— nathandodge (@Badgerfan26) December 30, 2025
Now go hire one of these 3 and help us return to RBU. https://t.co/6h9SvBH8qEpic.twitter.com/GFp7tzpOxg
— Dr. Marte (@Badgers_44) December 30, 2025
James White should be the first name on Luke Fickell’s list when looking for a new RB coach
It would be a home run hire from both the coaching and PR standpoints if Luke Fickell brings James White to Madison as a coach. It would be one of the few hirings that Fickell has made ever that would be met with immediate and resounding praise from the Wisconsin fans…