I've had late night meetings all week or I might have commented earlier, but here is one fan's assessment of the situation:
1) I see no panic with BB gone. Some folks are really pissed and turned on him like a spurned spouse. More rational posters/fans will state that he was a good coach, particularly administratively, but not a great game coach.
2) BB definitely grew in the job and the last two years was great at interviews etc. Nonetheless, a very large portion of the fanbase tolerated, but never really liked him. Personally, the thing I liked best about BB was his insistence on recruiting character and no tolerance for off-field issues. IMO, he was even better than BA in that aspect.
3) People are excited about BA coaching in the Rose Bowl and it will help sell tickets. While I want UW to win, I actually think it would be better for the program for him to lose, so that the next coach doesn't have the long shadow.
4) Absolutely no idea who Barry will pick but those that most intrigue me are the ND defensive coordinator, Golden, and Tucker. Never felt Chryst was a serious candidate because both he and Barry are a little too loyal for that (unless he had an "out clause" but the time wasn't right). Tressel - come on, now. Petrino - no way. Barry clearly stated that the new coach must understand the B1G and how Wisconsin operates.
5) Word on the street is Barry is PISSED that Bret did not let him know and showed so little loyalty after Barry stood up to Admin and boosters to support BB in the past. Personally, I find it very hard to fathom how someone can be all "On, Wisconsin" on Saturday and "Sooie Pig on Sunday." I still think BB was a good coach, but I always thought he had professional integrity (but not high standards in private behavior). Now I am not sure about that.
6) Much speculation that he and new wife wanted to start somewhere new - away from "the scene of the crime" so to speak. Bret was single for a long time in Madison and none too suave about it.
General consensus is excitement about new coach. Barry is, if possible, held in even higher esteem. Current players asked him to coach the RB. How do you refuse that? He has said he knows all the hoopla around the RB and will handle that, allowing other coaches to coach. However, you know he is relishing a return to the sidelines, for a limited term engagement.
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