Bo Ryan (Photo by David Stluka)
Bo Ryan had announced in late June that the 2015-’16 season would be his last as the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers. Since then, he has twice reminded reporters that he has a five-year contract and could change his mind.
Ryan was in the Appleton area for the U.S. Venture Open and he brought up the topic without being asked a direct question about it.
Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez told Ryan that if he changed his mind, the door would be open and it would appear the thought is at least going through Ryan’s mind.
Ryan compiled a record of 357-125 in 14 seasons with the Badgers and is coming off of consecutive Final Four appearances. But he’ll be coaching his youngest team in Madison this coming season, a team that doesn’t have a single scholarship senior on it.
Why tell people you are set to retire if you really aren’t? “Well, I needed to get a statement out there knowing I wasn’t able to tell recruits I could guarantee them four years,” said Ryan. “And I wanted to be fair to our staff and Barry and the athletic department.
“Everybody kind of thinks they know when they’re ready to retire or step aside. I’m not totally sure. Barry said I could change my mind at any time. I haven’t submitted any papers yet. I haven’t submitted anything.
Audio: Bo Ryan’s chat with reporters last night (Courtesy of WHBY Radio) 4:53