Wisconsin Badgers Fire Paul Chryst
Another Power Five Head Coach Loses Job
Badgers Go 2-3 in Non-Conference Play
MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Badgers fired football coach Paul Chryst on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, after a 2-3 start to the 2022 season.
The Badgers started the season ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll, but they lost their first three games of the season to Penn State, Washington State, and Illinois.
Wisconsin did win its next two games against New Mexico State and Purdue, but the damage had already been done. Chryst was fired with a 67-26 record in seven seasons at Wisconsin.
Chryst Was a Successful Coach at Wisconsin
Chryst led the Badgers to three Big Ten West division championships and one Big Ten Championship Game appearance.
He also coached the Badgers to a 10-3 record in bowl games.
However, the Badgers have not won a Big Ten championship since 2012, and they have not played in the College Football Playoff.
Wisconsin Will Now Search for a New Coach
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh will now begin the search for a new football coach.
Some potential candidates include:
- Luke Fickell, Cincinnati
- Matt Campbell, Iowa State
- Pat Narduzzi, Pitt
- Dave Aranda, Baylor
- Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame
The Badgers will be looking for a coach who can win championships and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Chryst's Firing is Part of a Trend
Chryst's firing is part of a trend of Power Five head coaches losing their jobs early in the 2022 season.
Other Power Five head coaches who have been fired this season include Scott Frost (Nebraska), Herm Edwards (Arizona State), and Geoff Collins (Georgia Tech).
The pressure is on for Power Five head coaches to win now, and Chryst's firing is a reminder of that.
