Paul Chryst Fired From Wisconsin

October 2, 2022 by Staff, uwbadgers.com

Minds were blown on Sunday (October 2) when the completely unanticipated news began peppering Twitter that Wisconsin had fired Paul Chryst after a 2-3 start. Chryst was 67-26 during his 7-plus seasons in Madison with three Big Ten west division titles, He was 43-18 in conference games and had a 6-1 bowl record. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard was immediately named interim head coach. Some compared the move to Nebraska's decision to fire Frank Solich after the 2003 season when he went 9-3 and was 58-19 over-all. The 'Huskers are now on their sixth coach since making that move and none have equaled his winning percentage at Nebraska of .753. Solich went on to become a legend at Ohio University before retiring prior to the 2001 season with a 173-101 career record.

This is the statement published on the school's website:

Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has been named interim head coach of the Wisconsin football team, UW Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh announced Sunday. Leonhard replaces Paul Chryst, who was in his eighth season as the Badgers' head coach.

"After a heartfelt and authentic conversation with Coach Chryst about what is in the long-term best interest of our football program, I have concluded that now is the time for a change in leadership," McIntosh said. "Paul is a man of integrity who loves his players. I have great respect and admiration for Paul and the legacy of him and his family at the University of Wisconsin.

"I also have confidence in Jim Leonhard to guide the program for the remainder of the season. There is still a lot of season left to play and I know Jim will do a great job while the program is under his leadership."

Leonhard is in his seventh season on Wisconsin's coaching staff. This is his sixth year as defensive coordinator. During that time, he has overseen one of the best units in college football as the Badger defense led the country in total yards allowed and ranked third nationally in scoring defense over the last five seasons.

Leonhard was a three-time All-American as a safety for Wisconsin, tying the school record with 21 career interceptions. He also broke the Big Ten record with 1,347 career punt return yards. A two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American, he also was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, the prestigious National Football Foundation award referred to as the "Academic Heisman."

It is the fourth consecutive Sunday that a head football coach has been fired, following Scott Frost as Nebraska (9/11), Herm Edwards at Arizona State (9/18) and Geoff Collins at Georgia Tech (9/25). The other three were all expected.

Also on Sunday, Karl Dorrell was fired by Colorado.

See all the head coaching changes since 2016.