The University of Wisconsin removed Paul Chryst as head coach of the football team, replacing him with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard as interim, according to a press release from Wisconsin Athletics.
UW Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh announced Chryst’s removal Sunday in the midst of his eighth season as head coach.
“After a heartfelt and authentic conversation with Coach Chryst about what is in the long-term best interest of our football program, I have concluded that now is the time for a change in leadership,” McIntosh said in the release.
This will be Leonhard’s seventh season as a member of the coaching staff for Wisconsin football — he has led the Badgers’ defense to excel in total yards allowed and national scoring defense for the past five seasons, according to the press release.