Newly hired University of Wisconsin-Madison football head coach Gary Andersen introduced himself to members of the Athletic Board Friday, discussing his coaching philosophy and first impressions of Madison.
The university hired Andersen, who said he is impressed with the attitude toward academics within Wisconsin athletics, in December after the unexpected departure of former head coach Bret Bielema.
“That’s something I’ve never been around,” Andersen said. “An education that’s as powerful as yours at Wisconsin.”
Andersen, who has set a goal for a team GPA of 3.0, also emphasized his own commitment to the experience of student athletes off the field.
“I’m one of the most competitive people in the world and that will never change,” Andersen said. “I compete for those kids academically and socially every day.”
Andersen said he can “be who he is” at Wisconsin, because there is not a barrier between athletics and academics as there is at other institutions.
“As I went through this process, I had other opportunities and possibilities for me and my family,” Andersen said. “But that was what was lacking in some of those places, the ability to change kids lives.”
Andersen also spoke about the beginning of the recruitment process, which he said is already off to a great start, as he looks for athletes who will be proud to represent Wisconsin.
“I will never take a young man that doesn’t have the mental and physical toughness to play at the University of Wisconsin,” Andersen said.
The university also hired Kelly Sheffield as head coach of the volleyball team in December following the resignation of former head coach Pete Waite in November.
Athletic Board chairman Dale Bjorling said he is happy with the results of both searches.
“At the end of the day we were fortunate to find people that were a good match with the University of Wisconsin,” Bjorling said.
Also at the meeting, Athletic Director Barry Alvarez spoke about his experience coaching at the 2013 Rose Bowl, thanking players and staff members.
“We were beaten by a very good team,” Alvarez said. “It was a great experience for me and overall the trip was positive.”
