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SMQ: Are alma maters really the best destinations for head coaches?

By Zach Bigalke

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badgers

  • YEARS AT WISCONSIN AS PLAYER: 1986-1988
  • YEARS AT WISCONSIN AS COACH: 2015-present

Paul Chryst was born in Madison, went to high school in Platteville, and spent three years as the Badgers quarterback. He is the quintessential definition of a homer, having spent a lifetime rooting for Wisconsin football and being involved with the program.

He was one of the last recruits who never spent any time playing for Barry Alvarez, the architect of the modern Wisconsin program. But that hardly matters, as Chryst continues to guide Wisconsin on similar principles predicated on taking advantage at the line of scrimmage to make holes for its running backs.

Chryst actually left Madison for his first head coaching gig. After seven years as an offensive coordinator with the Badgers, Chryst finally got his chance to lead a program when Pittsburgh came calling. The former Badger spent three years with the Panthers, going 6-6 in the regular season for three straight seasons.

He has had better luck at his alma mater, earning 10-win seasons in each of his first three years at the helm including 2017. This season, the Badgers are in position to play for the College Football Playoff if they can win their final two games and emerge as an undefeated Big Ten champion.

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