What is the deal with the Athletics Department at UDub? They can't seem to hold onto talented coaches. Maybe Beilema was a jerk, maybe Anderson wanted to go back out West, perhaps Ryan wanted to give his protege an opportunity to show his stuff... you want to know what I think? I think Alvarez was a fantastic football coach but is too damned cheap as an AD. I get that Wisconsin has a broad based sports program and that Southern schools basically fund fewer sports in order to focus attention on Football and Basketball but that is not an excuse to muzzle the mouth of the work horses that are feeding everyone.
Unlike most Athletic departments in the country UW has 3 revenue producing sports with Hockey chipping in a few Million per year. The Badgers have led or been near the top of hoops attendance in the B1G for years and football doesnt hurt for attendance or National attention either.
If the B1G is to be competitive in the Western division UW has to be willing to spend money commensurate with a program worthy of respect. I would not expect Michigan or Ohio State or Auburn or Nebraska or UCLA to lose coaches to Oregon State or Arkansas, neither should I expect for Wisconsin. For heaven's sake open up the dadgum checkbook and give these programs the resources they need to retain talented coaches and assistants... or get a new AD that will.