Very surprised by all the hate on Alvarez. Getting criticized for coaching the bowl games of coach-less teams is ridiculous. He takes care of a lot of the head coaching stuff so the assistants can focus on their regular jobs and preparation so they can go out and win an important football game. There aren't many ADs that happen to have been excellent football coaches at the same university with a close connection to the team. And the players all asked him to. And so what if he gets paid for it (which by the way was only 118k for the Rose Bowl)?

I completely disagree that Alvarez is the issue. Bielema point blank said when he left that it was about the money, moreso for his assistants than for himself. UW Football brings in a lot of money and they need to pony up more if they want to keep good coaching around or they'll start to fade.

Maybe that's the problem though. Alvarez casts such a big shadow because he basically put Wisconsin on the map. Maybe some coaches don't feel they'll ever live up to that standard he sets. To a lesser degree, Alvarez is turning into what Schembechler was and still is at Michigan.

And I don't buy that you can't blame him somewhat for two coaches leaving for arguably lower profile or at most, same level jobs in less than three years. If he didn't pay Beliema's assistants enough, that is kind of his fault then right? You want to win big and stay on a high level? Keep up with the Joneses and pay your assistants.

+1

Barry Alverez was a great coach, a highly successful coach, and in this time, he's providing the management aspect and allows his coaches to be able to focus on what they have done all year.