Gary Andersen leaving Wisconsin for Oregon State wasn't just surprising - it was by far the most shocking move in an offseason already loaded with surprises. For a coach to leave Wisconsin - a team just days removed from an appearance in the Big 10 Championship game - for Oregon State, a team with only two 10-win seasons in program history...well, it's safe to say no one saw that coming.
So why did Andersen jump ship? Here's what we're hearing:
Behind-the-scenes frustration
This is the clear issue at this point, with multiple outlets reporting that Andersen wasn't exactly thrilled with Wisconsin's academic policies. From ESPN B1G reporter Adam Rittenberg:
Wisconsin’s academic policies for getting players in had to play huge part in Andersen’s decision. Had been extremely frustrated.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 10, 2014
Wisconsin needs to take hard look in mirror. Two coaches leaving for less prestigious jobs. — Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 10, 2014
As the story goes, Andersen had been butting heads with admissions for some time over what he saw as unfair handicaps placed on his recruiting. The Badgers haven't been hit too hard, though - their current 2015 class is ranked third in the Big Ten by 247 Sports, with 24 total commitments.
Recruiting
Barry Alvarez
Alvarez
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