MADISON, WI (WSAU) – In a somewhat stunning move the Wisconsin Badgers fired head coach Paul Chryst on Sunday. AD Chris McIntosh made the announcement on Sunday night.
Chryst met with the team as defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was announced as interim head coach.
Chryst is out after two straight losses as Wisconsin dropped to 0-2 in the Big Ten Saturday with a home loss to Illinois. They are 2-3 overall.
The firing comes after the program signed Chryst to a new contract last October. He would have been owed a $19 million dollar buyout but reports indicate that it was negotiated to be less than that.
McIntosh met with reporters and said “My job is to make sure the program is headed in the right direction. This is by no means a decision as the result of one game.” he also said, “we’re fortunate to have coach Leonhard on the staff and I am confident he can lead this team through the balance of this season. That’s our priority now…to make sure these kids get the most out of this season and out of their experience at Wisconsin”.
He also said “its impossible for me to have more respect for a guy than I do for coach Chryst. His priority is 100% the kids on his team. So, it’s a hard night for everybody”.
He also said that the Badgers plan a national search for the next coach although many believe that the hope is Leonhard shows he’s ready for the full time job.
The 56 year old Chryst leaves with a record of 43-18 in the Big Ten and 67-26 overall and a 6-1 record in bowl games. The Badgers won the Big Ten West in 2016, 2017 and 2019 but lost the Big Ten Championship game in each of those seasons.
