Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema is taking his brand of power football to Arkansas.
Arkansas released a statement Tuesday night saying Bielema has agreed to a deal to take over the program reeling following the firing of former coach Bobby Petrino.
Bielema’s deal reportedly is for six years, paying $3.2 million annually.
Bielema reportedly wants to coach Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against Stanford. But a source said he doubted athletic director Barry Alvarez, who was Wisconsin’s football coach before moving to administration and promoting Bielema, would allow that.
Bielema is 68-24 with the Badgers.
MALZAHN TO AUBURN
Auburn has turned to Gus Malzahn to restore a program that made an unprecedented fall after winning a national title two years ago with Cam Newton operating his high-powered offense to perfection.
Malzahn was the Tigers’ offensive coordinator during their 2010 national championship run before heading to Arkansas State for his first college head coaching position.
He led the Red Wolves to a 9-3 record, a Sun Belt Conference title and a berth in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
Malzahn, 47, replaces former boss Gene Chizik, who was fired one day after a 49-0 loss to No. 2 Alabama to complete a 3-9 season.
Malzahn’s contract and salary information was not immediately available.
EXTRA POINTS
Coach Butch Jones was weighing his options after returning to Cincinnati’s campus after two days of interviews at Purdue and Colorado. Jones attended a news conference about the Bearcats’ appearance in the Belk Bowl on Dec. 27 against Duke. “I’m still the coach here, that’s all that matters,” Jones said. “This is about the Belk Bowl. I have every intention (of coaching in the bowl). You have to understand why we’re here. If you don’t, we can end it right now.” … Kansas State’s Bill Snyder was the unanimous choice as Big 12 Conference coach of the year. … Boston College hired Steve Addazio away from Temple. Addazio, 53, went 13-11 in two seasons with the Owls. He replaces Frank Spaziani, who was fired after four seasons with a 22-29 record. … Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco won the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach. … Former Texas Tech star defensive lineman Gabe Rivera, an All-American in 1982 and the No. 21 overall pick by the Steelers in 1983, was among 14 players and three coaches inducted into the college football Hall of Fame. Rivera, 51, was in a car accident his rookie season that left him a paraplegic. … The Maxwell Football Club plans to honor Penn State’s seniors for the players’ commitment and leadership during a challenging season after the Jerry Sandusky scandal and the death of longtime coach Joe Paterno. … Minnesota backup quarterback Max Shortell will transfer. … Former Ohio State star Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, is returning to his alma mater as assistant vice president for business advancement.
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