Know thine Husker enemy: Chryst headed to Wisconsin

ESPN is reporting that Paul Chryst is close to being confirmed as the new head coach for the Wisconsin Badgers. In an effort to “know thine enemy” I did a little research. Here’s what I discovered.

While at Pitt his record hasn’t been stellar but who are we to judge. Nebraska fired a coach with more success…a couple of times. In 2012, Chryst was 6-7 and 3-4 in the division. In 2013 he was better at 7-6 but 3-5 in the division. In 2014 he was 6-6 but 4-4 in his division. Bear in mind this is the ACC division.

The next thing I found on Chryst is that he went out of the local area to recruit. Well that’s a good thing. In 2014 he gathered recruits from 10 states. In 2015, 12 of 15 were from PA and OH. Before you go labeling him, he does seem to travel everywhere to find talent based on the classes he brought into Pitt.

CONNECTION: Chryst played quarterback at Wisconsin from 1986-1988 so this isn’t so much a stretch that he would be considered for the job. He graduated from Wisconsin with a political science degree and later obtained a Masters in Educational Administration from West Virginia in 1990. During his time in school there he was also a grad assistant on the football team.

Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders perform during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Chryst was an offensive coordinator with the Beavers of Oregon State from 1997 – 1998 and again in 2003 – 2004. From 2005 – 2011 he was in charge of the offense at Wisconsin under Bret Bielema. At least we know when Riley and Chryst shake hands on the field it will be sincere.

He is married to Robin and has 3 children: Katy, JoJo and Danny. His father is currently the quarterbacks coach for the 49ers, Geep Chryst. (that’s NOT a typo, seriously Geep)

There was literally ONLY about a paragraph on Paul Chryst in Wikipedia, which by other coaching standards is pretty lame. He started at Pitt in December of 2011 making him a head coach for only 3 years. He was at Oregon State for a time as head coach. (hmmmm….) And he was an assistant coach for San Diego Chargers in the NFL.

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If reports are true it will be interesting what he does at Wisconsin. In the meantime, start the recruit watch. All in all I’m still glad our search was over soon and the drama is easing. GO BIG RED!!!

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