Contracts with Barry Alvarez, Bret Bielema finalized

ORLANDO, Fla. – Five-year contracts with incoming head football coach Bret Bielema and Athletic Director Barry Alvarez have been finalized, University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor John D. Wiley announced today.

“These agreements provide us with solid, committed leadership in these key areas and reflect our confidence in both Barry and Bret to keep our athletic administration and football program among the finest in the nation,” Wiley says.

The contracts run from Feb. 1, 2006 to Jan. 31, 2011, and formalize the succession plan announced by Alvarez and Wiley last July.

Bielema will succeed Alvarez, who reversed the Badgers’ wayward football fortunes after coming to Madison in 1990. Alvarez, who coached the Badgers to three Big Ten and Rose Bowl championships en route to a 117-73-4 record, announced last July that he was stepping down as coach but would remain as Wisconsin’s athletic director.

Bielema says he is gratified by the university’s confidence in his abilities and its support of the football program.

“Chancellor Wiley and Coach Alvarez have extended me a fantastic opportunity to build on our record of success and great tradition,” Bielema says. “I’m enthusiastic about the future of Badger football and this chance to advance the program.”

Alvarez, who will lead the Badgers one last time on Jan. 2 in the Capital One Bowl against the Auburn Tigers, says that Bielema has a great football mind and an appreciation for the complex nature of the job.

“He recognizes the importance of competing and showing character both on and off the field and the importance of the entire student-athlete experience,” Alvarez says. “The future of the Wisconsin football program is in the right hands.”

Bielema, who played college football at the University of Iowa, is finishing his second season as the Badgers’ defensive coordinator. He came to Wisconsin from Kansas State, where he served for two years as co-defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Prior to that, Bielema spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Iowa.

Alvarez says he looks forward to focusing all of his efforts on leading the department in an increasingly challenging landscape of college athletics. He has officially performed the dual role of football coach and athletic director since April 1, 2004.

“I’m eager to hone in on making all of our programs successful, making sure sports is a strong part of the campus experience, assuring we’re in compliance with all regulations and building the pride and tradition that has always surrounded Badger athletics,” Alvarez says.

Wiley says both men’s skills will keep Wisconsin in forefront of college athletics.

“Bret’s energy, leadership and his commitment to our core values of academic achievement and competitive excellence make him a great fit,” Wiley says. “And Barry is a superb manager with a proven sports and administrative record. His success has made him a Badger fan favorite.”

Bielema has agreed to a contract that will pay him $750,000 in the first year. Of that amount, $350,000 will be paid as a base salary by the university and an additional $400,000 will be paid through private funds under a compensation agreement with the UW Foundation, an amount that increases by $25,000 each year.

Alvarez’s contract will pay him $600,000 in the first year. Of that amount, the university will pay $500,000 and $100,000 will come from private funds paid by the Mendota Gridiron Club and the National W Club.