Wisconsin hires Justin Wilcox as defensive coordinator

Wisconsin has named former USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox to the same position, the team announced Thursday.

Wilcox spent the last two seasons with the Trojans, serving under former head coach Steve Sarkisian. He finished the season after sarkisian was fired, but was not retained when interim coach Clay Helton was promoted to the full-time job.

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

Wilcox previously served as the defensive coordinator under Sarkisian at Washington, while also spending stints leading the defenses at Tennessee and Boise State.

“During my many conversations with numerous football people that I trusted, one name kept surfacing, Justin Wilcox,” Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst said. “I am very happy that we were able to get a quality coach like Justin to join our staff. I think he's a great fit for Wisconsin and this program is a great fit for him. His addition makes us better.”

Wisconsin finished last season 10–3, beating the Trojans 23–21 in the Holiday Bowl. Former Wisconsin defensive coordinator was hired by LSU on Jan. 1.

Add us as a preferred source on Google