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The Wisconsin Badgers will finish the rest of the season with assistant coach Greg Gard running the show after Bo Ryan announced his retirement following last night’s win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. It will be the first time since 2001 that someone other than Ryan will be calling the shots for Badgers. With a shift in leadership, let’s find out more about the new man in charge.
Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
5. He's Been An Assistant of Ryan's Since 1993
Credit: Twitter5. He's Been An Assistant of Ryan's Since 1993
Ryan hired Gard as an assistant while the latter was a 22-year-old college student at Wisconsin-Platteville. This will be the first time that the two coaches haven't been on the same coaching staff in 22 years.
4. Ranked as Fourth-Best "X&O" Coach in College Basketball
Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports4. Ranked as Fourth-Best "X&O" Coach in College Basketball
CoachStat.net collected votes last month from college basketball media, scouts and coaches to find out who were the best assistant coaches in the country. His rankings show how well respected he is among his peers.
3. Has Been on the Bench for the 11 Winningest Seasons in Wisconsin History
Credit: Getty Images3. Has Been on the Bench for the 11 Winningest Seasons in Wisconsin History
Since Ryan and Gard arrived on campus in 2001, the Badgers have been one of the best programs in the country consistently. While that obviously has a lot to do with Ryan, Gard has been vital in building the program as well.
2. He Was a High School Assistant Coach Prior to Joining Ryan
Credit: Twitter2. He Was a High School Assistant Coach Prior to Joining Ryan
Before joining Ryan's staff at UW-Platteville in 1993, Gard served in junior high and assistant coach capacities at Southwestern High School and Platteville High School. Coaching is in his blood and now he has the opportunity to run the whole show.
1. Ryan Retired Midseason to Give Gard Shot at Job
Credit: Twitter1. Ryan Retired Midseason to Give Gard Shot at Job
Ryan wanted Gard to be his replacement so badly that he worked out a plan with AD Barry Alvarez. With Ryan retiring during the season, it gives Gard a three-month audition in Madison.
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