We’ve all seen this movie before. Legendary coach rides off into the sunset. New coach was an assistant under said legend and appears to have the pedigree to carry the torch and move it up the mountain. After initial success, the new coach starts to falter, chinks in the armor become gaping holes, and unless the bleeding stops, the admins pull the trigger on the new coach and start working back to the glory days, even going as far as to bring back the legendary coach in some capacity.
Sound familiar? It should if you are a Nebraska or Kansas State fan. That’s the Frank Solich/Ron Prince story – BC version.
Bret Bielema was impressive as the Wisconsin defensive coordinator and was handed the job after Barry Alverez (who built that program from the frozen ground up) moved on to the athletic director position. However, after an impressive rookie season, Bielema’s Badgers appear to be going in reverse. The 2006 record was 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten); 2007 was 9-4 (5-3); 2008 was a paltry 7-5 (3-5). The difference between the 2006 and 2007 records is as understandable as it is forgivable; no one stays on top forever these days. It is last year that concerns Badgers faithful.
Many predicted that Wisconsin was a “dark horse” candidate for a run at the BCS in 2008. The schedule set up well for the team. There was talent and depth and consistency on their side. Then, they flopped – big time. The Badgers played sloppily and inconsistently earning the distinction as the most penalized team in school history.
The game that epitomizes this the most is the 25-24 loss to Michigan State. In that game, with a lead in the fourth quarter, Bielema lost his cool and drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. At a crucial moment of the game while Michigan State had no timeouts, he called one giving them time to set up for what turned out to be the game winning field goal attempt. Afterwards, a firestorm of criticism was laid at Bielema’s feet which, to his credit, he handled in a straightforward manner. However, it is clear he lost credibility with players when he made those two errors in that game.
Article comments
1 - Ken Skiba
More small school successful coaches need a chance to move up..Tressell played at Baldwin-Wallace Div. 3 & coached and won Nat Titles at Youngstown State. Sometimes winning vs a name is the way to go