Wisconsin Basketball Assistant Emerging as Head Coach Candidate

The college basketball coaching carousel is in full swing, and a Wisconsin Badgers assistant is actively being considered for a head coaching job. 

A source told Badgernotes.com that Wisconsin basketball associate head coach Joe Krabbenhoft is in the running for the opening at Southern Illinois University and ‘may even be a finalist.’ 

The program recently parted ways with Bryan Mullins, who compiled an 86-68 record across five seasons, including a 19-13 mark in 2023-24. 

SIU Interested in Wisconsin Basketball Associate Head Coach Joe Krabbenhoft

Joe Krabbenhoft started his professional career with the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program in 2012, initially serving as a Video Coordinator under his former head coach, Bo Ryan.

After a brief stint, he moved on to South Dakota State to become an assistant coach in 2014. However, Krabbenhoft eventually returned to the Badgers in 2016, rejoining the Wisconsin coaching staff, where he has remained ever since.

His dedication and hard work were recognized when he was promoted to Badgers Associate Head Coach under Greg Gard in 2022.

Dakota Joe, just 37 years old, has been instrumental in building relationships with players and helping guide the program to notable on-court success. With Krabbenhoft on staff, Wisconsin basketball has clinched two Big Ten regular-season championships.

Additionally, ESPN spotlighted Krabbenhoft, listing him among the game’s top young coaches in its prestigious “40 Under 40” list.

He’s also known as the top recruiter within the Wisconsin basketball program. Krabbenhoft played a pivotal role as the primary recruiter for notable talents such as four-star prospects Ben Carlson, Daniel Freitag, Gus Yalden, and Chucky Hepburn, alongside other Badgers players like Nolan Winter, Johnny Davis, Matthew Mors, Markus Ilver, Steven Crowl, and Tyler Wahl.

His knack for identifying talent and building relationships has been instrumental in shaping the Wisconsin basketball team’s roster.

We’ll keep you updated as this story surrounding coach Krabbenhoft continues to develop.