Wisconsin Football: How Bret Bielema Plans to Be Top Big Ten Coach in 2012

Life has been a mixed bag for Bret Bielema in 2012.

He lost another Rose Bowl, tied the knot, lost a commit, picked a fight and landed another star transfer. There is no user's manual to becoming an elite head football coach, but it seems Bielema has gotten used to the ups and downs of his profession just fine. 

Not many people can find fault with a 60-19 record, try as hard as they may. 

So how does Bielema keep his stock rising amidst a Big Ten conference now rife with elite coaches?

He can follow a simple formula of continuing to recruit, getting his coaches comfortable, developing his players, avoiding scandal and above all, winning on Saturdays. 

Recruit. Recruit. Recruit.

Sure, Bielema's next crop of recruits won't be able to suit up until 2013, but that does not make wooing new talent any less important. 

Many coaches can coast on their salesmanship even in down years. Good recruiting buzz can elevate a coach's profile and demonstrate how integral he is to the program while it wins psychological battles over opposing coaching staffs. 

While Bielema will be butting heads with people like Urban Meyer on the field this season, the recruiting battles will be just as important to claim dominance in 2012.  

Assimilate the Staff

For the first few weeks in January, the Badgers should have probably invested in name tags with so many new faces walking the halls of Camp Randall. A seismic shift of personnel on the sideline and in the press box give the 2012 season a special feeling of suspense. 

Bielema will need to find a rhythm with his new crew quickly, and that may be easier said then done. The departed don't simply include position assistants and towel boys (the architect of the lethal Wisconsin offense is now calling plays in the Big East). Bielema found his way to the top of the Big Ten on the arm of Russell Wilson, the legs of Montee Ball and the play book of Paul Chryst. 

He will have to find a new combination to repeat as champions. 

Chryst's replacement, Matt Canada, will need to ensure his unit does not skip a beat as he works with new receivers coach Zach Azzanni and venerable veteran running backs coach Thomas Hammock. Their cohesion as a team will make or break Bielema's season. 

Develop the Talent

Recruiting will only deliver potential to Bielema's door, and it is up to the Badger staff to become athletic alchemists. 

Wisconsin is all about player development. The 2012 season should feature a few lightly recruited players stepping into more major roles like safety Dezmen Southward. When guys like Southward earn their spot it also gives hope to the rest of the squad that their time is coming. 

Bielema will need to rely on untested talent at some point this season. This attitude ensures the next guy in is willing, ready and able. 

Avoid Scandal

Both Bobby Petrino and Jim Tressel showed the college football world that wins and losses mean little in the face of a scandal. 

Nothing Bielema does on the field will matter if he finds himself on the wrong side of a school or NCAA investigation. 

Win

It won't matter how many time-outs he runs out of. It won't matter how many Hail Mary passes are thrown.

For Bielema to remain king of the conference, he needs to win. Period. 

Throw away the power rankings and forget the past accolades. 

Bielema needs to win.