Wisconsin interviews Utah State coach Andersen

Utah State coach Gary Andersen has interviewed for the Wisconsin head coaching job, according to a source with direct knowledge of the interview. Andersen led

Utah State coach Gary Andersen has interviewed for the Wisconsin head coaching job, according to a source with direct knowledge of the interview.

Andersen led Utah State to an 11-2 record this season and a 6-0 mark in the WAC. He's considered a strong candidate for the Wisconsin job, which is expected to be filled by the end of this week.

Andersen's interview came after Utah State's 41-15 blowout of Toledo in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 15.

Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez has counseled patience in a coaching search that began on Dec. 4 when Bret Bielema stunned Alvarez with the news that he'd taken the Arkansas job.

Jacksonville Jaguars assistant Mel Tucker interviewed for the Wisconsin job on Dec. 14 and is considered the leading candidate if Alvarez chooses someone with Wisconsin ties. Tucker was part of Alvarez's first recruiting class at Wisconsin and has college experience as an assistant at Ohio State.

Alvarez also interviewed Bowling Green coach Dave Clawson in Toledo on Dec. 10. Andersen is considered more likely to get the job than Clawson, who was also a finalist at Colorado.

Alvarez also expressed interest in Miami coach Al Golden and Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads, both of whom declined to pursue the job.