Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan Steps Down
Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan has announced his retirement. Again. And with more immediate consequences.
Ryan already had said this would be his last season on the Badgers' bench, but following Tuesday night's 64-49 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi the 68-year-old announced he was stepping down, effective immediately.
Long-time assistant Greg Gard takes over as interim coach.
According to ESPN, Ryan released a statement after the game:
"This was a decision months in the making," Ryan said. "I brought this up to Barry [Alvarez] back in April. He advised me to take some time to think it over, and I appreciated that. But in recent weeks, I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to retire and for Greg Gard to have the opportunity to coach the team for the remainder of the season. I discussed this with Barry, and I appreciate him giving me the space to make this decision."
Ryan coached Wisconsin to a school-record 36 wins last season and a loss in the national championship to Duke. The Badgers are off to a slow start this year with a 7-5 record. He finishes with a school-record 364 wins and seven Big Ten titles.