Odd move - maybe Wisconsin isn't as good of a job that some would be led to believe.

Kirk Ferentz for Wisconsin!

I think all the Big Ten jobs excluding Ohio State and maybe Michigan are tough. Changing demographics and a semblance academic standards.

His offense was also never a good fit for Wisconsin football. Could be that too. But it sounds like he wanted to significantly change the admission policies. Had to have known those when he was hired.

I don't think he was well liked. I for sure didn't.

I think all the Big Ten jobs excluding Ohio State and maybe Michigan are tough. Changing demographics and a semblance academic standards.

Changing demographics?

The number of Midwestern prospects signing BCS-level scholarships has dropped over the past decade. From 2002 to 2007, about 200 players per year within the 500-mile radius (Kirkwood: Lincoln, Neb as the center) signed with BCS schools. Since 2008, the average is approximately 150.

Look at the state of Oklahoma. Five years ago, it was churning out 20 to 30 BCS-level prospects per year. Last year, according to Rivals.com, it produced just 16. This year, only 10.

Other Plains states are experiencing similar slumps. Minnesota. Kansas. Colorado. From 2005 to 2010, Colorado produced an average of 16 BCS signees per year. The past three recruiting cycles, the average was nine.

In Nebraska, the story is the same. The state has produced just three BCS signees the past two years — and one of those, Christian Lacouture, moved to Lincoln Southwest for only his senior season.

Those are the lowest in-state totals during the scholarship limit era.

Meanwhile, the Sun Belt booms. Population in southern states grew 14 percent from 2000 to 2010, compared with just 4 percent in the Midwest. Per capita, they produce more than twice as many BCS recruits.

Fueled by SEC dominance, there’s a growing perception that southern football is superior. College coaches are flooding the region.

Look at Georgia. From 2004 to 2008, it produced an average of 90 BCS recruits per year. Pretty incredible for a state of 9 million. But that was nothing. The past five years, the average is more than 115.

That’s 25 fewer scholarships available to kids from the Midwest and other areas.

They are already worried Pitt coach to Wisconsin.

Chryst wouldn't last more than 3 years at Wisconsin. Lifelong OC that isn't a good fit as a head coach. Even Purdue turned him down.

Because who Purdue chose is doing so well.

I know Wisconsin fans don't want to admit this, but maybe just maybe the God Barry Alvarez is the issue. All coaches have egos and they may not like somebody looking over their shoulder the whole time saying this is the Wisconsin way. Also, maybe Wisconsin fans need a reality check and realize that 10-11 win seasons are really good.

Alvarez acts like a freaking GM.

Football players aren't being produced in the Midwest like they used to be. Tough(er) to recruit Sun Belt players when they're pursued by schools in their own backyard.

The way Wisconsin builds a team also causes them to be bad matchups against a lot of elite teams while they can absolutely steamroll average competition. The pure size and strength of Wisconsin always amazes me but there is a reason that the best teams in the country and the Big Ten don't build their teams like that.