Paul Chryst fired as Badgers head coach

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Paul Chryst is out as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers football program, the university announced Sunday evening.

“After a heartfelt and authentic conversation with Coach Chryst about what is in the long-term best interest of our football program, I have concluded that now is the time for a change in leadership. Paul is a man of integrity who loves his players. I have great respect and admiration for Paul and the legacy of him and his family at the University of Wisconsin,” said athletic director Chris McIntosh in a statement.

“I also have confidence in Jim Leonhard to guide the program for the remainder of the season. There is still a lot of season left to play and I know Jim will do a great job while the program is under his leadership.”

Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will take over as the interim head coach for the rest of the season. Leonhard, a former safety for the Badgers, in his seventh season as an assistant with the program.

“I appreciate Chris McIntosh placing his trust in me to lead our team. My focus right now is on our players and moving forward with preparing them for our game on Saturday at Northwestern,” said Jim Loenhard.

“I owe a lot to Coach Chryst. Everyone in our program does. He gave me my first coaching job, and for that I am forever grateful. As a Badger, I thank him for his impact on our football program and our players over many years.”

Chryst was hired as head coach in 2014, and compiled a 67-26 record in his eight years in Madison. Over that time Chryst also led the Badgers to wins in the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl, and three appearances in the Big Ten Championship game.