Wisconsin Football: New WR Coach Zach Azzanni's Road to Madison

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When Bret Bielema first met Zach Azzanni in Fort Pierce, Fla., both were on the recruiting trail. Little would each coach know how fortuitous that encounter would be: Azzanni became a recruit in his own right 10 years later.

Earlier this week, the 35-year-old Azzanni was announced as the University of Wisconsin's wide receivers' coach (via The Washington Post). He will be tasked in molding future pass catchers for the Badgers, including sophomore star Jared Abbrederis.

What's more: He will most likely take on a big role in recruiting. 

Like most coaches, Azzanni's road to Madison was not a straight one. Each turn of the coaching carousel brought Azzanni closer to Camp Randall, and each experience seemingly molded his offensive philosophy. 

Touted as a "relentless" recruiter and a strong teacher, the Michigan native will hit the ground, and the recruiting trail, running. 

Valparaiso University

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Azzanni's first taste of coaching came from a school known to few outside the state of Indiana.

Valparaiso University offered Azzanni a volunteer coaching opportunity before he became a position coach and recruiter for the Crusaders. He held that post from 1999 through the 2000 season. 

Azzanni's time in Valpo was short-lived—the Falcons of Bowling Green State University came calling in 2001. 

Bowling Green State University

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Azzanni got called to the big time by contemporary coaching legend Urban Meyer. Hired in 2001, he found himself as a graduate assistant for the Bowling Green State University Falcons. 

When Meyer hopped out west to coach the Utes of Utah, Azzanni stayed back and became the team's wide receivers coach in 2003.

Azzanni remained in the role until the 2007 season, where he embarked on his next journey: Central Michigan University. 

Central Michigan

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The Chippewas of Central Michigan University marked the next stop for Azzanni, and it was a bit of a homecoming.

Azzanni actually played the receiver position for CMU from 1994 to 1998, at first as a walk-on and then as a scholarship player. 

Azzanni coached wide receivers yet again, and was ultimately named assistant head coach of the team before moving on to the more hospitable climes of Florida to reunite with Urban Meyer. 

University of Florida

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For the second time in his career, Azzanni was calling Meyer "boss." 

Meyer brought Azzanni to the University of Florida where Tim Tebow was rewriting the history books, as well as pop culture.

When Meyer abruptly resigned to concentrate on his family and his health, Azzanni found himself jobless.

Good coaches don't stay unemployed long, and 2011 brought Azzanni and his family to Western Kentucky. 

Western Kentucky

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Azzanni's last assignment was with Western Kentucky as the Hilltoppers' offensive coordinator.

The woeful 2010 Western Kentucky squad went 2-10 before turning themselves around in 2011 with a 7-5 record. This gig provided Azzanni with a powerful learning experience in the pro-style offense, whereas Azzanni's previous stints revolved around the spread attack.

The team's offense was highlighted by balance in both the pass and the run, which many Wisconsin fans should find comfort in, according to UWBadgers.com.

Azzanni can now add the University of Wisconsin to his resume, and hopefully a few recruits to the Badgers' incoming class.