Oregon State hires Wisconsin’s Gary Andersen

Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen unexpectedly stepped down Wednesday to become head coach at Oregon State. Andersen, the Badgers’ coach for the past two seasons, informed the team of his decision Wednesday afternoon, the school said. Wisconsin finished 10-3 this season under Andersen and will play in the Outback Bowl against Auburn on Jan. 1. Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said the search for Andersen’s successor had already started. Alvarez said he would consider coaching the team in the bowl game himself after several players asked him, but had not made a final decision. Alvarez said Andersen made the move for personal reasons. Mike Riley left the Pac-12’s Beavers to accept the Nebraska job after the dismissal of Bo Pelini. – Associated Press