Wisconsin's Bo Ryan to retire following 2015–2016 season

Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan issued a statement on Monday saying he would retire after coaching the 2015–2016 season.

Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan issued a statement on Monday saying he would retire after coaching the 2015–2016 season.

Ryan, 67, has coached the Badgers since 2001. Over his 14 seasons at Wisconsin, he has posted a 357–125 record with the Badgers and led the program to the NCAA tournament in every year; two Final Fours; four Big Ten regular-season championships and three Big Ten tournament championships. Ryan is also a four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Wisconsin made its two Final Four appearances under Ryan in each of the past two seasons, most recently coming within minutes of the national championship before losing to Duke this past season.

Ryan, a Chester, Pa., native, also was the head coach at Wisconsin-Platteville (1984–1999) and Milwaukee (1999–2001). He won four NCAA Division III tournament championships with Platteville.

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Ryan’s career coaching record stands at 387–152. In his statement, he expressed his desire for assistant Greg Gard to replace him after next season. Gard joined Ryan’s staff at UW in 2001 and also coached with him at Platteville and Milwaukee.

“Back in the spring, in the days after the national championship game, (UW Director of Athletics) Barry Alvarez and I discussed the possibility of me retiring,” Ryan said. “I’ve always been told that is not a decision to make right after a season is completed. Barry thankfully encouraged me to take some time to think about it and I have done that. I considered retiring this summer or coaching one more season.

“I’ve decided to coach one more season with the hope that my longtime assistant Greg Gard eventually becomes the head coach at Wisconsin. I am looking forward to another year with our program, including our players, my terrific assistant coaches, our office staff and everyone who supports Wisconsin basketball here in Madison, around the state and across the country.”

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- Mike Fiammetta