Report: Justin Wilcox involved in Wisconsin defensive coordinator search

[Da-news-now]

Over the weekend a report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel indicated that an internal hire of Tim Tibesar would be imminent. However, another name has surfaced and appears to be a serious candidate — former USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox.

Wilcox was let go by Clay Helton once he got the permanent job, a move that many saw coming after an underperforming year and thanks to his close-knit relationship to former head coach Steve Sarkisian.

According to FootballScoop.com, Wilcox has been involved heavily in the search for a new defensive coordinator in Madison.

I know Chryst has brought Justin Wilcox in a number of times. Thought it would be done by now. Presumably real soon https://t.co/d0T05XFJFn

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) January 19, 2016
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The search has been quiet overall, with few names leaking out over the process.

Wisconsin is also coming up on the mandatory 14-day wait period required for open posting of all state jobs.

Could that mean the Badgers make a hire known tomorrow?

FootballScoop.com also mentions that Wilcox was in Madison just this past weekend to meet with the defensive coaching staff. Usually that is an indication of serious interest, if not outright the No. 1 option for the hire.

Source characterized Wisconsin’s diligence on Justin Wilcox as "extremely thorough”. Just this weekend met w defensive staff. Yes/No soon…

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) January 19, 2016
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This news sure flies in the face of what Potrykus reported this weekend, however places like FootballScoop are about as connected as possible within the coaching world.

Wilcox’s defense this past season wasn’t much to write home about, as USC ranked 85th nationally in yards per play allowed, 70th in total defense and 57th in scoring defense heading in to the bowl season.

However, Wilcox has coached a number of defenses and was the coordinator for some very good ones under Sarkisian at Washington (2012-13) and also has experience as a defensive coordinator at Tennessee and Boise State.

This option would also indicate that Chryst is committed to the 3-4 defense that he saw Aranda run this past season.

Stay tuned as Tuesday could be a very interesting day in the long-awaited defensive coordinator mystery at Wisconsin.

.@brobcubs Tibesar is very good and deserves an enhanced role; but Wilcox is being thoroughly vetted to become the new DC.

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) January 19, 2016
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[57packer]

Interesting twist. Wonder what his recruiting history is like and where he has connections. They could be doing this to enhance recruiting and possibly to open up some new recruiting areas. Picking a coach in college is certainly way more than X's and O's. Sounds like he's spent plenty of time out West and in SEC country. Both are fertile recruiting areas that UW would like to expand their influence in.