Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan
Wisconsin coaching legend Bo Ryan, who has led the Badgers to back-to-back Final Four appearances, will retire after the upcoming season.
The 67-year-old Ryan said in a statement that he will coach this season and then step down. His hope is that longtime assistant Greg Gard succeeds him in Madison.
“Back in the spring, in the days after the national championship game, (UW Athletic Director) Barry Alvarez and I discussed the possibility of me retiring,” Ryan said in the statement. “I’ve always been told that is not a decision to make right after a season is completed. Barry thankfully encouraged me to take some time to think about it and I have done that. I considered retiring this summer or coaching one more season.
“I’ve decided to coach one more season with the hope that my longtime assistant Greg Gard eventually becomes the head coach at Wisconsin. I am looking forward to another year with the program, including our players, my terrific assistant coaches, our office staff and everyone who supports Wisconsin basketball here in Madison, around the state and across the country.”
Ryan is compiled a 357-125 record in 14 seasons at Wisconsin. He has taken the Badgers to the NCAA tournament in each of those 14 seasons.
Ryan has also coached two seasons at UW-Milwaukee and 15 seasons at Division III UW-Platteville.
AUDIO: Bill Scott chats with Badger pbp voice Matt LePay on the Bo Ryan decision 8:30