Chryst Fired Following Loss to Illinois

Wisconsin Badagers

MADISON, WI (WSAU) — In a somewhat stunning move, the Wisconsin Badgers fired Head Football Coach Paul Chryst on Sunday.

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, with their only wins coming against non-power-five teams in New Mexico State (FBS Independent) and Illinois State (FCS- Missouri Valley Conference).

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.

Statement from University of Wisconsin Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh

📝 https://t.co/n7mOEAeTeM pic.twitter.com/Qz5AS72juf

— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) October 3, 2022

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.”

The news was first reported by multiple college football insiders at around 6:00 PM Sunday. The school then held a formal news conference two hours later to announce the move.

A national search for Wisconsin’s next coach will be conducted, though it is said that Leonhard will be considered for the 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.