High school football coaches in the area support new playoff football plan

Posted by author February 14, 2025 Football

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The WIAA and its Board of Control’s recent approval of an updated football playoff matrix will have a profound effect on the high school football landscape this fall and beyond.

The proposal, developed by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, was passed by a vote of 10-1. A vote of 8-3 was in favor of also using the matrix for regional groupings.

The matrix’s purpose, according to a WIAA release, is to introduce “a fair, data-driven approach to high school football playoffs, designed to ensure transparency, reduce travel and provide consistency.”

Nearly 88% of coaches polled by the WFCA approved the new system. The matrix features division placement, a ranking system, playoff qualifications along with seeding and region placements.

You can find a complete explanation of the matrix here: WIAA’s football playoff matrix.

The Post-Crescent asked several head coaches in the area for their thoughts and how they voted for the proposal. Five responded and all were in favor of the matrix. All five programs reached the playoffs last season, across four divisions: Kimberly and Appleton North in Division 1, Kaukauna in Division 2, Menasha in Division 3 and Xavier in Division 4. Their comments are below.

Matt Binsfeld, Kaukauna

“I was able to vote on the proposal as a member of the WFCA before it reached the WIAA. The vote was as one-sided as any vote I have seen in my time as a WFCA member in favor of the new proposal. I voted yes as I think that this brings transparency to the process that was lacking the past few years when no one could explain what the computer formula was actually measuring.

“There will be issues with this new format as I can see a team with a certain record making the playoffs in one division and not in another with the divisions being set prior to the season. Overall, I believe it is good for high school football in Wisconsin.”

Dave Hinkens, Xavier

“I voted for the new format and appreciate the efforts of the WFCA in providing us with an alternative option. The primary reasons for supporting the new format: One, divisions being created before start of season and two, understanding of your position/seeding during the season.”

Jeramie Korth, Menasha

“When it comes to seeding, there have been several issues ever since the coaches stopped voting on seeds in meetings. Some definite bizarre, head-scratching seeds. That being said, there were issues as well with coaches voting. I have observed teams getting better or worse seeds in a room of eight head coaches due to friendships, strategy and not always morality. So, with this new seeding, I think it is thoughtful and comprehensive so I cannot argue with that. It was important to see how it would have affected the past couple of years when they presented the data. My athletic director is supportive of what his head coaches think is best for the sport and program, so we agreed on all parts of the new plan.”

Chad Michalkiewicz, Kimberly

“First off, we appreciate the WFCA on the legwork of researching and proposing this matrix. Here at Kimberly, we supported this model. I think it’s irrefutable that coaches were seeking clarity and transparency on the playoff pairing and seeding process. While there is no such thing as a perfect solution, this seems to be far closer to ‘getting it right’ than previous models. The WIAA has stated that it is a regional tournament, so using Google maps for precise pairing makes sense. Looking back at the previous three years of data that they provided, again, it looks like it would have been closer to ‘right’ than the WIAA pairings and computer rankings of previous years.

“I’d caution everyone to let it play itself out for a few years before passing hard judgment. Someone will be disappointed with pairings and rankings no matter what is laid out come tournament time. I think it is really good for the game to show cooperation in the process between the WFCA, school administrations and the WIAA to continue to try and do what is in the best interest of all student-athletes.”

Robert Salm, Appleton North

“I’m in favor. Previously, the playoff pairings were primarily determined by win-loss records. It didn’t fully account for the strength of the schedule or the competitive balance within different conferences. A team with a less challenging schedule could achieve a strong record, potentially earning a higher seed than a team with a more demanding schedule, even if that team had a similar or slightly worse record.

“Our AD, Jere Kubuske, is from Ohio and they use a similar matrix to formulate the pairings. In our discussions, we believe this new system will lead to more competitive and fairer playoff matchups. It will reward teams that have consistently played against strong competition and performed well, even if their record might not be perfect. Ultimately, the goal is to create a playoff experience that truly reflects the achievements of the participating teams.”