Gary Andersen is leaving Wisconsin to take the head coaching job at Oregon State, according to the Portland Tribune and other sources. The move is something of shock, as Andersen had only been in Madison for two years and had the program running fairly smoothly. He’s taking over Mike Riley, who left Corvallis after 14 years to take the Nebraska job.
Gary Andersen leaving Wisconsin for Oregon State
Andersen is leaving Madison for Corvallis after only two years in charge.
Andersen went 19-7 in two season at the helm in Madison, and won the Big Ten West this past year. Before that, he spent four years in charge at Utah State, compiling a 26-24 record that included a WAC title in 2012, which was previously unthinkable at that school.
The move is a major surprise. According to USA Today’s database, Wisconsin ranked No. 2 in revenue last year, with OSU at No. 45, which approximates the difference in resources between the two programs. Andersen is also joining a division that includes perennial power Oregon, leaving a Big Ten West in which his Badgers had become the dominant team in recent years.
Wisconsin players react
With Andersen now heading to Oregon State, it appears that Mike Riley’s move to Nebraska has set off the proverbial domino effect in the college football coaching world.
The announcement also comes on the heels of the school announcing a $42 million upgrade and renovation to their athletics facilities, which have been regarded as some of the worst in the Pac-12.
UPDATE: Wisconsin and Oregon State have both confirmed.
Statement on #Badgers head coach pic.twitter.com/lA9MgvP66F
— Badger Football (@BadgerFootball) December 10, 2014 We are excited to announce our new head coach, Gary Andersen. Let’s welcome him to Corvallis! #BeaverNation #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/k0ly1RLiVY
— Beavers Football (@OSUBeaversFB) December 10, 2014 See More:
