Gary Andersen’s departure from the Wisconsin football team left Badgers players and fans shocked on social media.
Andersen, the team’s head coach for two seasons, announced Wednesday afternoon he was leaving for Oregon State, a few weeks before the Badgers take on Auburn at the Outback Bowl.
University of Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez said at a news conference players were surprised to hear Andersen was leaving, although older players went through the same thing when Bret Bielema left the Badgers as they prepared for the Rose Bowl.
Alvarez ensured UW “will replace Coach Andersen with another excellent coach and staff.”
“They were all shocked,” Alvarez said of the players. “I think a couple of the younger players were a little more emotional. The old guys, as I try to stress to them, I told them the same thing I told them two years ago. Everyone’s afraid of change, but let’s use it as a life lesson. Let’s embrace change because you can grow through change. … Our program will not take a step backward.”
Here’s how some of the Badgers players reacted on social media:
WOW !!!
— F L ⚡️ S H (@Melvingordon25) December 10, 2014
…. Shocked.
— Corey Clement (@CoreyClement_6) December 10, 2014
Wow. Great timing
— Chikwe Obasih (@Big_Cheeks34) December 10, 2014
When you are told to go to the academic center and study for finals and later on you hear your coach left… Wow
— Rafael Gaglianone (@rafagaglianone) December 10, 2014
…..
— Sojourn Shelton II (@_SDS8) December 10, 2014
In Coach Alvarez We Trust. #OnWisconsin
— Derek Watt (@DerekWatt34) December 10, 2014
I still love and respect everything about Coach Andersen
— Coach DJ Gillins (@CoachGillins) December 10, 2014
https://twitter.com/KeeferJake/status/542813217412898816
Alumni and fans also weighed in on Andersen’s move, including former Badgers running back Montee Ball.
@Melvingordon25 I mean like… No words
— Montee Ball (@MonteeBall28) December 10, 2014
OK, I'll coach. #Badgers
— Anders Holm (@ders808) December 10, 2014
.@BeingAndersen Y U DO DIS?
— Buckenghem U Badgr (@BuckiBadgrPls) December 10, 2014
Gary Anderson is leaving @UWBadgers? And @Melvingordon25?!? Nooooo!!!
— Jess Chatham (@JChat77) December 10, 2014
https://twitter.com/JesseReid23/status/542811977220108288
