One of the best coaches in college basketball is making his last stand in 2015-16. Wisconsin’s Bo Ryan announced today that he plans on stepping down at the end of next season, with the hopes that he will hand the program over to his top assistant, Greg Gard. Ryan has led the Badgers to a 357-125 record since taking over in 2001, and coached the program to the national championship game last season. It was the second-straight year that Wisconsin at least made it to the Final Four.
From ESPN:
Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan, who is coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances, will retire after next season, he announced Monday.
Ryan, 67, 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, [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 our 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.”
A source told ESPN that Ryan, who is 357-125 in his 14 seasons at Wisconsin and has taken the Badgers to the NCAA tournament each year, is not stepping down due to health reasons.
