Wisconsin Football Could Play Against Paul Chryst Next Season

If things continue trending the way they have been, Wisconsin football could face a compelling matchup against Paul Chryst, potentially on the opposing side, as the Badgers square off against the Iowa Hawkeyes next November. 

Reports initially surfaced about Chryst becoming a top target for the Iowa Hawkeyes, aiming to fill the offensive coordinator vacancy that Brian Ferentz held last year. But Scott Dochterman of The Athletic has seemingly reinforced this possibility, indicating Chryst is a ‘finalist’ for the role.

Will Wisconsin Football Face Paul Chryst Next Season? 

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There continues to be smoke centered around former Wisconsin football coach Paul Chryst joining Kirk Ferentz, the longest-tenured head coach in college football, to revitalize the nation’s worst offense in 2024. 

Ferentz wants someone to fill the vacancy who has an appreciation for the culture at Iowa, and Chryst is someone who he both respects and knows would fit that bill. 

“I’ve always had tremendous respect for Paul,” Kirk Ferentz said. “I think it’s publicly stated. He did an outstanding job at Wisconsin. Since we got here 25 years ago, that’s a team we’ve been chasing. 

“But I’ve always had great respect for Paul. Really great person, really great coach.”

Paul Chryst is both experienced and was a highly successful head coach from his time leading Pitt and Wisconsin football. He owns a career record of 86-45 but was relieved of his duties with the Badgers after a 2-3 start in 2022. 

He’s spent the offseason sifting through potential job opportunities. Chryst turned down the Northwestern job and also interviewed with Oregon State and Indiana, who both opted for different hires, respectively. 

Should Chryst leave his job as an offensive analyst at Texas and join Iowa, it might present an opportunity for him to show that he can run and orchestrate a well-oiled offense, leading to better opportunities in 2025. 

The Hawkeyes finished last in total offense nationally, averaging 239.3 yards per game, making Chryst’s offensive expertise potentially pivotal for the team. In 2010 and 2011, he was the Wisconsin football offensive coordinator for a Badgers team that averaged north of 40 points per game each year. 

Things won’t likely materialize until after the college football playoffs. Still, Wisconsin football fans need to prepare themselves for the very real possibility of Paul Chryst coaching against them in the Big Ten. 

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