Andersen flips script, heads to Wisconsin

Gary Andersen publicly pledged his allegiance to Utah State not long ago. Now he’s on the verge of becoming Wisconsin’s coach.

Wisconsin reportedly will hire Andersen to replace Bret Bielema, who left the Badgers earlier this month to take the Arkansas job.

The news about Andersen broke Tuesday night and neither Utah State nor Wisconsin had anything official to announce about Andersen on Wednesday. The delay is at least in part tied to laws in Wisconsin that require a state job to be posted for at least two weeks before it can be filled. The two-week posting was up at the end of business on Wednesday.

The school was expected to introduce Andersen at a news conference today, but a snowstorm might change those plans.

The 48-year-old Andersen just completed his fourth and best season at Utah State. The 18th-ranked Aggies finished 11-2 with a bowl victory against Toledo and won the Western Athletic Conference.

Andersen drew interest from California, Colorado and Kentucky last month, but decided to pass on those opportunities and received a contract extension from Utah State.

“The interest I have received is a compliment to the quality young men in this program,” Andersen said in the statement released Nov. 30. “I love Cache Valley, this university and these young men, and I am humbled and excited to continue to be the coach here.”

That was before Wisconsin had an opening.

When Wisconsin called, Andersen changed his mind.

Quick kicks

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