Bielema Successor

Submitted by Robbie Moore on

I checked the Barry Alvarez coaching tree and unless Barry pulls a Bill Snyder and returns to the sidelines himself (not a totally absurd notion), I think we may see Brad Childress  on the Wisconsin sideline next year.

Out of left field I admit.

blue_kate

December 4th, 2012 at 10:38 PM ^

and my entire family went to Wisconsin, so take this input for what it's worth (which may not be much). There aren't many people who are super interested in Darrell Bevell as a candidate. Most people I've spoken to would die for Chryst to come back and while he released a statement tonight about his "commitment" to the Pitt program, it seemed to me a carefully worded statement that did not at any point reaffirm his desire to stay there. (Apparently his buyout is substantial, not sure how much that matters.) Doeren is a popular choice but the ink isn't dry on his NC State contract; Diaco (Notre Dame's defensive coordinator) is a name I've also heard, and on various ESPN boards people have also suggested Pelini, though I really can't imagine that's a very realistic option.

MontuckyYooper

December 4th, 2012 at 11:55 PM ^

I disagree on the interest in Bevell.  I went to high school in Madison and lots of my friends back there are alumni and season ticket holders.  They're all pulling for Bevell.  

I think the better question is whether he would want to leave an OC job in the NFL (possible HC someday?) for his alma mater...  

coldnjl

December 4th, 2012 at 6:14 PM ^

I predict Alvarez coaches in the bowl as a figurehead, and then hires Paul Chryst as Head coach. They are going to want to stay in house, and there aren't many candidates out there that give them that opportunity. A long term stay by Alvarez would be horrible for that program 

LSAClassOf2000

December 4th, 2012 at 6:39 PM ^

According to a few sources, that is a distinct possibility - (LINK) - that he might be the motivational figurehead, if you will, in the next month leading up to and during the game, but of course, he would not call plays. 

As for the successor to Bielema, I have to believe they'll first go after someone who could keep recruiting going with minimal interruption and someone who knows the Midwest like Bielema did. That being said, Bielema was able to recruit Florida reasonably well too, so it could very well be someone that has ties to both areas.

Obviously, Paul Chryst and Dave Doeren (despite the latter being hired by NC State recently) are the  in-house favorites, but if they resorted to an in-staff replacement (likely not their first choice, I assume), a few sites say it would have to be their DC Chris Ash in that scenario. I wonder if Butch Jones stops to think about this opening at least. 

Geary_maize

December 4th, 2012 at 6:15 PM ^

Chryst has MUCH better local talent to work with at Pitt, and doesn't have to fly everywhere to recruit. The ACC is easier to win, and Penn State should be down just enough for him to grab a few recruits(Dorian Johnson), win, and move on to a better program. Even better if BOB leaves or Hackenburg decommits.

That said, if Wisky offers him 3 million a year, who knows?

Lionsfan

December 4th, 2012 at 10:56 PM ^

 

“I understand the speculation surrounding my name given today’s developments. I am committed to the Pitt football program and the University of Pittsburgh. I am focusing all my time and energy on our team’s bowl game preparation and recruiting a great group of young men to join our program and this outstanding university. We are working hard every day to re-establish this program and I am excited about the future of Pitt football.”

 

Link: http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/40230/paul-chryst-affirms-com…

 

Now I wouldn't rule him out until Wisconsin hires someone, but I think it's interesting that he's outright denied it, as opposed to not remarking.

 

And if he does leave, you would have to feel for the players on that team. A Class of 2010 player would have played 3 seasons under 3 different Head Coaches (5 if you count the Bowl coaches)

mgoblue No.1

December 4th, 2012 at 6:17 PM ^

Offensive and defensive coordinators both are either in their first or second years with the Badgers. If they can't get Chryst, I think they'll pick up someone that none of us has heard of

IndyBlue

December 4th, 2012 at 6:43 PM ^

If you're serious about Mattison, I don't think that's a possibility.  He doesn't seem to want a HC job as he's been a DC for so long and hasn't he stated he wants to end his career at Michigan?

Philbert

December 4th, 2012 at 6:21 PM ^

My vote based on style and B1G connection is Ron English at emu. He took possibly the worst team in the FBS and has them near .500 year in and year out. Defensive minded and offensive philosophy of line up and hit them in the mouth. English would be the perfect fit up there.

Philbert

December 5th, 2012 at 12:38 AM ^

Honestly a 6-6 season at EMU is probably more of a feat then 10-2 at Michigan. Don't take that the wrong way. I've caught glimpses of the program because a guy I played High School Ball against (Gillett) is up there. That program was in shamble over the last decade. English is starting to get guys that fit the mold of what he wants and I think it will pay off sooner then later. The MAC West won't be as competitive over the next few years. NIU should be coming back to earth unless this BCS bid gets them some unexpected talent. Toledo Peak will probably be next year with the huge Junior Class of Owen, Reedy, and Fluellen all coming back for thier senior seasons. 

I'm a big fan of EMU style and I think English will find a really nice job some where. I think his main issue right now (other then being at EMU) is that he wants to win on brute strength and no Mac team can win on strength vs a BCS oppenent. Also some of the best offensive teams are in the MAC and can throw up huge numbers. You give English a team like Wisconsin and I'm not sure how they don't win a minimum of 8 games a year. That is his type of a football up there. 

If I Was Barry my list would go:

Chryst

English

Someone from his current staff

Kirby Smart

akim

December 4th, 2012 at 6:27 PM ^

What are the odds on Narduzzi, Fickell, or one of the other Big ten assistants moving over there?  

I don't really know what's going on anymore.

MichiganManOf1961

December 4th, 2012 at 6:27 PM ^

The Big Ten needs to pony up some money and bring in real coaches.  We're quickly becoming a second-class conference, with Bielema leaving, Purdue being unable to bring in a Big Eas coach... in addition to the PSU/OSU fiascos. 

Can anyone tell me what the hell the point of bringing in new markets and "making money" off the Big Ten Network, at the expense of tradition, fan happiness, and good ethics, if none of the teams are going to spend money to get any better?  It's a goddamn embarassment.  The Big Ten will be lucky to win one or two real bowls this year, and it doesn't look like it is going to get better anytime soon.  Luckily, Brady has worked out for us, but MICHIGAN couldn't entice Coach Miles, how does Wisconsin expect to get a big name coach? 

So Dave Brandon / Delany, where exactly is all this money going and how is it going to make the Big Ten competetive again?

~Herm