Gary Andersen to Wisconsin

[Eric]

This is a really good hire in my opinion. Andersen is basically a defensive guru at this point. I think he played one of the larger roles in Utah's undefeated season of 2008 where they defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. And turning around Utah State into a top 25 team that was single-digits away from being undefeated? That is a Herculean effort if I've ever seen one. He seems to be a very good motivator as well.

Most of the Wisconsin fans I've seen since the hire seem to be happy that Arkansas lured Bielema away

[Cane from the Bend]

No doubt . . . possibly the best hire so far, this coach poach season.

Wisconsin needs to maintain a focus on the D side of things in order to continue competing with the Big 14 (16,18) top dogs.

The question is; how well connected is he to the area's recruiting field?

Although, supposing Alvarez is going to continue running the operation (mostly), it may not matter.


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[billybud]

What was perplexing to me was Al Golden turning down Wisconsin to stay with the Canes.

Thamel posted this tweet: “Just got word that Al Golden is flattered by Alvarez's interest but staying at Miami.’’

Maybe he has inside knowledge that the Canes won't have long term mega sanctions, maybe he likes South Beach, maybe he thinks that he can recruit better in South Florida and put together some good teams despite sanctions.

I just can't figure it.

[Cane from the Bend]

hmm...

I thought it was because he was sincere when he took the job, and asked the question:

"Your name for years been linked with several marque openings that are popped up since you were @ Temple; SC, UCLA, there's been a perception of course that, you know, when coach Paterno leaves Penn State, that would interest you of course ~ why Miami, and why now for you?"

Al Golden's response to that:

"Are you kidding me ... are you kidding me? It's the most recognizable brand in College Football; again, I go back to the former players that are here. It's 5 National Championships, 20 National Award winners, countless All Americans, Incredible Tradition ... again, it's just, it's a Dream job. It's a tremendous opportunity for my Family & I, to build Championships here, to continue the recent success in the Classroom, and to give back to the Community & be Stewards in the Community ... I think, this is just a wonderful, wonderful opportunity, and to me, to be honest with ya, I'm the luckiest coach in America today."

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Maybe, though, he does have a little insight as to the extent of the NCAA's projected sanctions . . . but, there wasn't a whole lot of arm twisting when Miami renegotiated their contract with him, after his finding out of the pending investigation.

The school offered him more money as a preemptive measure . . . hoping it would stave any potentiality that Golden would leave.

And yet, all close to Golden said he never intended on leaving.

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I cannot reflect an opinion on what his view of Wisconsin is.

But, I can with confidence post, as far as I have been informed; Al's happy where he is.

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Though, you never know what is really going on inside some of these guys' heads . . . I guess time itself will best tell this tale.

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[Spence]

It wouldn't make sense for Golden to take the Wisconsin job, it is a step down. Even if the sanctions are bad, they won't be Penn State bad and Golden has that much longer to develop relationships with the local high schools and coaches.

Andersen is a guy who makes sense. He is a defensive guy. Alvarez likes defense first guys. All Andersen needs to do is hire a good Oline guy and Wisky is all set. That is their formula. I think Wisconsin got off easy with Bielima leaving. After losing his real talent to Pitt, he was about to be exposed.

[Eric]

The infrastructure was there for Bielema to succeed. Ultimately he did this year, although it was with the knowledge that Purdue and Indiana were their only competition for a berth to the title game. They wound up losing a lot of close games this year and they didn't have the type of QB that could win them games like Tyler Donovan, Joe Stocco, or Scott Tolzien were able to in years past. But I don't think that system would have lasted forever with Bielema with his gameplanning and playcalling both being subpar. Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame developing into powers for the forseeable future didn't help things on the recruiting trail I'm sure.

I think he feels that he can establish himself as a big-time coach if he can start competing with the Sabans, Spurriers, and the Miles of the world. I don't think it will work; I think he'll crash and burn like Butch Jones will at Tennessee. These guys are going to have their lunch eaten, I'm almost 100% positive. Butch Jones isn't a develop-and-rebuild kind of guy. Bielema won't change his ways and whatever wasn't working at Wisconsin is going to get magnified in the SEC. Gus Malzahn knows what he is doing and ultimately will work for Auburn, that would be an instance of the right hire.

[Spence]

I agree. I also think the farther removed he gets from Barry Alvarez the more trouble he is in. BA was always the brains behind Wisconsin football. The problems Wisconsin had was primarily on game day when BB was on his own, and he was a real bonehead on game days.