6 Top Candidates to Replace Paul Chryst at Wisconsin

By: Sports Teller

Updated:

After a 2-3 Start, Who Are the 6 Top Candidates to Replace Paul Chryst as Wisconsin Badgers Head Coach in 2023? 


Hello Everyone! Welcome to Sports Teller! Today, we will be going over the latest news involving 6 Candidates to Replace Paul Chryst at Wisconsin! Before we reveal who those top candidates are, we must go over the full story regarding Chryst’s firing. Without further adieu, let’s begin!


6 Top Candidates to Replace Paul Chryst at Wisconsin

Full Story on Chryst Being Fired as UW Badgers Head Coach

With Paul Chryst gone, now is the time for the Badgers football program to make a list of top candidates. In fact, the recognizable applicants could be qualified to become the team’s new head coach for the 2023 Season. Wisconsin decided to dismiss Chryst after over seven seasons under the helm. At the time of the firing, the football program was 2-3 to start the season and Paul Chryst received a less than $16 million buyout. Meanwhile, the Badgers gave the interim coaching role to Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard. 

The decision to fire the coach was due to the fact that Big Ten Football has intense competition from Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. Also, Wisconsin has not played in the Conference Championship Game since 2019. The Badgers became the second Big Ten team to fire a head coach this season as Nebraska dismissed Scott Frost in September. 

Paul Chryst’s Career with the Wisconsin Badgers

During his tenure in Madison, Chryst compiled a 67-26 overall record with 43-18 in the conference. In addition, he guided the Badgers to three Big Ten Championship game appearances (2016, 2017, 2019). However, Wisconsin has not appeared in a New Year’s Bowl nor won 10 or more games in a season since 2019. To make matters worse, the Badgers have not finished in the Top 25 rankings since 2019 (#11). Also, the program has not won a New Year’s Bowl contest since the 2017 Orange Bowl.

Before coming to Madison in 2015, he held a similar position with the Pittsburgh Panthers from 2012 until 2014. During that tenure, Chryst led Pittsburgh to three bowl game appearances. Interestingly, he has prior experience with the Badgers as their Offensive Coordinator from 2005 until 2011. 

What’s Next for the Wisconsin Badgers?

Now, many Wisconsin fans might be wondering: Who is the leading candidate to replace Paul Chryst in 2023? The 6 top candidates listed in this article have prior coaching experience. In addition, those candidates have been on the coaching staff for at least five years. For the 6 top candidates to replace Chryst as Wisconsin Head Coach, please refer to the information below!

Possible Candidates to Replace Paul Chryst at Wisconsin

Internal Candidates

  1. Jim Leonhard
  • Wisconsin Interim Coach (2022-Present)
  • Wisconsin DC (2017-Present)

Top Head Coach Candidates for Badgers Football to Consider

  1. Luke Fickell-Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati HC (2017-Present)
  • Ohio State Interim Coach (2011)
  • Ohio State Co-DC (2005-2010, 2012-2016)
  • Guided Cincinnati to 2022 College Football Playoffs
  • Led Ohio State to 2014 National Championship
  1. Scott Frost-Nebraska
  • Nebraska HC (2018-2022)
  • UCF Knights HC (2016-2017)
  • Oregon OC (2013-2015)
  • Oregon WR Coach (2009-2012)
  • Guided Central Florida to 2017 Peach Bowl
  • Led Oregon to 2015 National Championship Game
  1. Matt Campbell-Iowa State
  • Iowa State HC (2016-Present)
  • Toledo HC (2012-2015)
  • Toledo OC (2010-2011)
  • Led Iowa State to 2020 Fiesta Bowl Win
  • Also Guided Cyclones to Big 12 Championship Game in 2020
  1. Dave Aranda-Baylor
  • Baylor HC (2020-Present)
  • LSU DC (2016-2019)
  • Wisconsin DC (2013-2015)
  • Utah State DC (2012)
  • Hawaii DC (2010-2011)
  • Guided Baylor to 2021 Sugar Bowl
  • Also Won 2019 National Championship with LSU

Leading Candidate to Replace Paul Chryst at Wisconsin in 2023

  1. Lance Leipold-Kansas
  • Kansas HC (2021-Present)
  • Buffalo HC (2015-2020)
  • Wisconsin-Whitewater HC (2007-2014)
  • Leipold was a Graduate Assistant for Wisconsin from 1991 until 1993
  • He Also Guided Jayhawks to a 5-0 Start to the 2022 Season
  • Guided Wisconsin-Whitewater to Six National Championships in Division 3
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