The University of Wisconsin is in advanced talks to hire Ari Confessor as its new wide receivers coach, aiming to strengthen their coaching staff ahead of the 2026 football season. Sources indicate the deal is expected to finalize by Monday, with Confessor set to begin working on the Madison campus soon after, adding Big Ten experience to his diverse coaching background.
Confessor’s Diverse Coaching Experience Across NFL and College Football
Ari Confessor brings a broad résumé that includes NFL stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, along with collegiate coaching roles at Wake Forest under two head coaches and at the Air Force Academy with Troy Calhoun. His coaching duties have not solely focused on wide receivers; he also served as co-special teams coordinator while coaching with the Rhode Island Rams. Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Confessor has been steadily building his coaching repertoire at various levels of football.
Replacing Jordan Reid, Who Moved to Atlanta Falcons Staff
Confessor would replace Jordan Reid, who recently departed Wisconsin to join the first-year coaching staff under new Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, was hired by the Falcons following his dismissal from the Cleveland Browns, prompting a reshuffling in coaching positions across multiple programs.
Confessor’s Playing Career and Collegiate Connections
A former standout player at Holy Cross, Confessor is the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards and was twice named an All-American. He was inducted into the Crusaders Hall of Fame and also gained coaching experience at his alma mater under head coach Bob Chesney. Chesney, who led James Madison to a Sun Belt Conference Championship and the College Football Playoff, will be transitioning to lead the UCLA Bruins after the 2025 season.
Wisconsin’s Upcoming Season Under Luke Fickell and Jeff Grimes
At Wisconsin, Confessor would work within offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ system to develop the wide receiver corps. The Badgers are seeking to improve after a 4-8 record in the previous season and have struggled in Big Ten play, dropping 13 of their last 15 conference games. Head coach Luke Fickell approaches his fourth year with a critical 2026 campaign upcoming. Wisconsin’s season opener is scheduled for September 6 inside Lambeau Field against Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Challenges and Opportunities in the 2026 Schedule
Following the opener, Wisconsin will face non-conference opponents Western Illinois and Eastern Michigan in consecutive home games to complete their early schedule. The team then begins Big Ten play on September 26 at Penn State, under new head coach Matt Campbell. The season will test Wisconsin’s capacity to rebound within the Big Ten and regain competitive momentum under its evolving coaching staff.
