Wisconsin hires Greg Gard as permanent head coach

Wisconsin has hired Greg Gard as its permanent head coach.

Wisconsin announced on Monday that Greg Gard has been named the 16th head coach in Badgers history.

Gard has been serving as the program’s interim head coach since December, when longtime coach Bo Ryan retired. The Badgers had reportedly offered Gard a contract extension last week.

Gard has led the Badgers to a 12–6 record in the Big Ten and is 13–6 overall since taking over for the departed Ryan. Ryan retired 12 games into the season after taking over the program in 2001.

Wisconsin posted the job opening for the men's basketball head coaching position online and was required to interview at least three candidates by law. Gard’s hiring also required the approval by the UW Board of Regents.

• HAMILTON: Interim Wisconsin coach Greg Gard has Badgers back on track

Gard joined the Wisconsin coaching staff in 2001 as an assistant coach before being named associate head coach in 2008. He also coached under Ryan at UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee.

The Big Ten Conference tournament begins Wednesday in Indianapolis.