MADISON, Wis. — When word started to trickle out Sunday that the University of Wisconsin was going to hire Luke Fickell as its new head football coach, there was a wide range of reactions.

Many wondered why Jim Leonhard didn’t get the job. He’s Wisconsin-born. He played with distinction for the Wisconsin Badgers. He’s got an excellent defensive mind. He stepped in as interim head coach after Paul Chryst was fired. There were reports he was going to get the job.

I understand the angst about Leonhard. I will never downplay or minimize his contributions to the program.

Still, the decision has been made that Fickell is the new head coach. Athletic Director Chris McIntosh isn’t being paid to make everyone happy. His job is to move the program forward.

Simply put, Fickell is a proven head coach. He was National Coach of the Year just last year. If he can take Cincinnati to the national playoff, what can he do with the resources he’ll have in Madison?

No doubt, some Badgers players will leave, maybe some excellent ones. The transfer portal is at their disposal. Fickell and the UW System Administration has to expect that. Fickell will also attract some players to come to Wisconsin.

I don’t know how Fickell will do. I’m sorry that Leonhard, and Chryst for that matter, got caught up in this. They’re good men.

All I know is that Fickell, and the people that hired him, deserve the chance to show that this hire was the right one. We’ll be watching.