We knew Wisconsin Badgers Coach Bo Ryan was going to be done with college basketball after this season. Then he left the door open to returning for next year and beyond. Turns out, he won’t be coaching anymore at all. You won’t even get to see him for Big Ten play in 2016.
Late night on Tuesday, Bo Ryan announced his retirement, via a school release, effective immediately.
“After months of conversation with Barry Alvarez and his administrative staff, as well as my wife, Kelly, I have decided that now is the right time to step down from the head coaching position here at Wisconsin,” said a prepared statement attributed to Bo Ryan.
“This was a decision months in the making. I brought this up to Barry back in April. He advised me to take some time to think it over and I appreciated that. But in recent weeks, I have come to the conclusion that now is the right time for me to retire and for Greg Gard to have the opportunity to coach the team for the remainder of the season. I discussed this with Barry and I appreciate him giving me the space to make this decision.”
“I want to thank Bo Ryan for everything he has done for our athletic department, the state of Wisconsin and certainly the Badgers basketball program,” reads a statement attributed to UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez.
“He oversaw an incredible run of sustained success and helped elevate Wisconsin among the nation’s elite programs. He is truly a Hall of Fame coach and led our program to the most successful era in school history. He will be missed.”
It does make a lot of sense for Bo Ryan to step down now as this season has gotten off to a very rough start. The current Badgers are only 7-5, and they’ve suffered quite a few dreadful losses already. This is far, far below the usual lofty standards in Madison.
The Sconnies went to the national title game just last year, and the Final Four the year before that. We’ll miss you a lot Bo Ryan! We also applaud you for walking away from the table when you still have all of your chips.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
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