Paul Chryst to Wisconsin: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Wisconsin Badgers have already landed their next head football coach, agreeing to terms with Pittsburgh's Paul Chryst to take over his hometown team in Madison.

The Wisconsin football Twitter account broke the news:

Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez commented on the news via the Big Ten Network:

Jeff Potrykus of jsoline.com reports on the contract details:

Potrykus also reports the deal is for five years. 

Chryst's predecessor, Gary Andersen, staged a sudden, shocking departure to coach Oregon State not long after the Badgers lost the Big Ten title game 59-0 to Ohio State.

A source told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus on Dec. 11 that Alvarez promptly went after Chryst to fill the Badgers' coaching vacancy.

"I thought this would be the scenario from Day 1," said the source. "[Chryst] will put together a good staff."

ESPN's Phil Savage praised Alvarez for his swift hiring of Chryst, who was born in Madison and played quarterback at Wisconsin in college:

In an interesting coaching-carousel phenomenon, Chryst served as offensive coordinator in two stints at Oregon State. His last stop preceded a role as Wisconsin's play-caller on offense from 2005 to 2011.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Chryst emerged as the clear front-runner for the Badgers' coaching position based on his long-running ties to the city, school and program.

Jason Redmond/Associated Press

Chryst, 49, managed a meager 19-19 record as he attempted to rebuild at Pitt over the past three years. However, he will experience a significant talent upgrade by taking over at Wisconsin, diving into a perennial Top 25 program with the chance for greater success far sooner.

A recent history of strong ball-carriers, big offensive linemen and strong defenses suits the Badgers in conference play. Despite losing an extremely talented running back in Melvin Gordon to the 2015 NFL draft, Wisconsin should be in contention for another Big Ten title with Chryst at the helm.