News
October 31, 2025
Mike Vorel: How Washington coach Jedd Fisch exemplifies state of college football
SEATTLE — Winning is only one part of building a sustainable program. So said Jedd Fisch on Dec. 4, 2023, after his Arizona Wildcats earned a berth in the Alamo Bowl. In a press conference, Fisch — then the Wildcats’...
SEATTLE — In today's college football landscape, simply racking up wins isn't enough to guarantee long-term success. That's the philosophy embraced by new University of Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, a sentiment he articulated back on December 4, 2023, following his Arizona Wildcats' impressive qualification for the Alamo Bowl.
During a press conference celebrating that achievement, Fisch, then at the helm of Arizona, emphasized that building a lasting and competitive program requires a multi-faceted approach that extends beyond the scoreboard. His words offer a glimpse into the vision he now brings to Montlake, as he takes on the challenge of leading the Huskies into a new era following their national championship appearance.
Fisch's statement underscores the evolving nature of college football, where factors like player development, recruiting prowess, cultivating a strong team culture, and navigating the complexities of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals are just as vital as game-day strategies. A program that neglects these aspects, even with a winning record, risks instability and ultimately, a decline in performance.
The Alamo Bowl berth was a significant milestone for Arizona under Fisch's leadership. He inherited a program struggling to find its footing and quickly transformed it into a competitive force in the Pac-12. That turnaround wasn't solely built on victories; it was a product of Fisch's commitment to fostering a positive environment, attracting talented players, and implementing a sustainable plan for growth.
Now at Washington, Fisch faces a different set of circumstances. He inherits a program fresh off a remarkable season but also grappling with significant roster turnover. His ability to replicate the success he achieved at Arizona, while navigating the unique challenges and expectations at UW, will depend on his ability to implement the same principles he championed last December: building a program that is not only capable of winning, but also built to last. The focus will be on establishing a foundation that prioritizes the overall development of student-athletes, both on and off the field, ensuring the Huskies remain a competitive force for years to come.
During a press conference celebrating that achievement, Fisch, then at the helm of Arizona, emphasized that building a lasting and competitive program requires a multi-faceted approach that extends beyond the scoreboard. His words offer a glimpse into the vision he now brings to Montlake, as he takes on the challenge of leading the Huskies into a new era following their national championship appearance.
Fisch's statement underscores the evolving nature of college football, where factors like player development, recruiting prowess, cultivating a strong team culture, and navigating the complexities of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals are just as vital as game-day strategies. A program that neglects these aspects, even with a winning record, risks instability and ultimately, a decline in performance.
The Alamo Bowl berth was a significant milestone for Arizona under Fisch's leadership. He inherited a program struggling to find its footing and quickly transformed it into a competitive force in the Pac-12. That turnaround wasn't solely built on victories; it was a product of Fisch's commitment to fostering a positive environment, attracting talented players, and implementing a sustainable plan for growth.
Now at Washington, Fisch faces a different set of circumstances. He inherits a program fresh off a remarkable season but also grappling with significant roster turnover. His ability to replicate the success he achieved at Arizona, while navigating the unique challenges and expectations at UW, will depend on his ability to implement the same principles he championed last December: building a program that is not only capable of winning, but also built to last. The focus will be on establishing a foundation that prioritizes the overall development of student-athletes, both on and off the field, ensuring the Huskies remain a competitive force for years to come.
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