(UW ATHLETICS) MADISON – Wisconsin football head coach Luke Fickell announced Jack Cooper’s promotion to safeties coach on Tuesday afternoon. After two seasons on the Badgers’ defensive staff, Cooper will lead the UW safeties unit.
“We’re excited to move Coach Cooper into this new role,” Fickell said. “He’s been with our program for two years and has built relationships in the safeties room, earning the belief and trust of the guys on this team. He’s done a great job for us and has a true understanding of what we’re building here. I know he’ll continue to be a big asset for us moving forward.”
Cooper joined the Wisconsin staff in the spring of 2023 as a defensive analyst before being promoted to Assistant Defensive Backs Coach prior to the 2024 season. Cooper has worked closely with the entire Badger secondary, including safety Hunter Wohler who flourished during 2023 and 2024, leading the Badgers in tackles in both seasons.
“My family and I are humbled to have this opportunity,” said Cooper. “I appreciate Coach Fickell’s leadership style, and I’ve enjoyed being a part of this program as we continue to work on a daily basis here at Wisconsin. I’m excited to attack 2025 with all of our dedicated student-athletes and the rest of our staff.”
Prior to arriving in Madison, Cooper served as Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach at the University of Rhode Island from 2020-22. Cooper made stops at Nebraska (2018-19, defensive quality control) and UCF (2016-17, defensive graduate assistant) before directing the Rhode Island defense.
With Cooper leading the defense, Rhode Island posted back-to-back 7-4 seasons in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Cooper was one of five FCS assistant coaches to participate in the AFCA 35 under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.
As a player, Cooper was a four-year letterwinner at Southern Connecticut State from 2008-12. He was a first-team all-conference selection as a senior when he also served as a team captain.
Cooper graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science-physical education from Southern Connecticut State in 2012. He went on to earn his master’s degree in sports management from Southern Connecticut State in 2016. Cooper and his wife, Alex, have two sons, JJ and Hudson.
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