Wisconsin is in the market for a new head coach following the surprising departure of Gary Andersen to Oregon State.
Though Wisconsin has its issues for potential coaches, it will still draw plenty of interest.
Below are some candidates for their head coaching job.
Darrell Bevell: Was a quarterback at Wisconsin from 1992-1995, led the Badgers to the Rose Bowl. Currently the offensive coordinator of the Seahawks. Previously coached Brett Favre with the Packers and later the Vikings. Told the media Wednesday he is interested in becoming a head coach.
“Being a head coach someday is of interest to me. I would say I have thought about college. I don’t know exactly at this point where it would be or what it would be. But I do feel like I want to be a head coach someday.”
He can coach up an offense and schemes, but how will he do with recruiting, running a program and being a first-time head coach? This might be a lot to ask of him.
Paul Chryst: From Madison, played quarterback at Wisconsin from 1986-1988, later coached the Badgers. Has twice served as offensive coordinator for Oregon State, and was Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator from 2005-2011. 49 years old, has gone 19-19 the past three seasons as the head coach at Pitt.
He has a lot of familiarity with the area and would probably love to return to Madison. Probably would have been hired last time around if he weren’t so new at Pitt. Program could do better. Barry Alvarez has said the next coach does not have to be a Wisconsin guy.
Greg Schiano: Also might be a candidate for the Michigan job. Taking the year off following unsuccessful stint as Buccaneers’ head coach. Turned perennial loser Rutgers into a winner during his 11-year stretch as the program’s head coach. Finished his tenure with winning seasons in six of last seven seasons. At 48, still young enough to take over a program and be there for at least a decade granted success. Has the ability to recruit and develop talent even at a non-traditional football school. Would be a strong hire for a Big Ten school.
Al Golden: Turned around trash Temple program but has struggled at Miami. Took Temple from 1-11 in his first season to 17-8 record his last two seasons. Has been at Miami since 2011 and has led team to two 6-6 seasons, peaking at 9-4.
Played at Penn State, 45 years old, was liked by Barry Alvarez last time around. Seems like a slightly above average coach in a tough conference. Wisconsin should aim higher.
Pat Narduzzi: The hot coordinator du-jour. Was Mark Dantonio’s defensive coordinator at Cincinnati from 2004-2006 and has been his DC at Michigan State since 2007. Coordinated defense that led the Big Ten in total defense in 2012 and 2013. Has been instrumental in turning Spartans into defensive stalwart.
48 years old, has Ohio roots, has been in Big Ten for a while.
Dave Clawson: Was second in the the Wisconsin coaching search last time. 47 years old. Started off 0-11 at Fordham in 1999 and turned them into a winner in three seasons. Went 29-29 as Fordham’s coach over five years. Went 29-20 over four seasons as Richmond’s head coach. Went 32-31 over five seasons at Bowling Green.
Very seasoned coach for his age. Has proven he can win at multiple levels. Just went 3-9 in first season at Wake Forest. Would he leave the Demon Deacons after just one season? Timing may be an obstacle.
