Report: Paul Chryst Mentioned as Candidate for Big Ten Job Opening

Indiana fired Tom Allen after seven years coaching the Hoosiers this past weekend, and former Wisconsin football head coach Paul Chryst might be among the top candidates interviewing to replace him.

According to a report from the Indy Star, Athletic Director Scott Dolson is looking for an established coach to lead the program — and Chryst was among the names Zach Osterman mentioned as a potential fit.

Chryst is currently an analyst for the 11-1 Texas Longhorns — and recently passed on the Northwestern job opening that later went to interim head coach David Braun. So, it’s unclear whether or not there would be mutual interest between Indiana and Chryst — but he has strong Midwestern ties and will likely do his homework here. 

Why Former Wisconsin Football HC Paul Chryst Makes Sense for Indiana 

Taking over — and elevating the Indiana football program would be challenging, especially with Big Ten conference expansion looming. The Hoosiers have just three winning seasons since 2000, after all.

But the former Wisconsin football coach has a strong track record of success in the Big Ten — and is nothing if not a stabilizing presence.

Although Luke Fickell replaced Paul Chryst — he went 67-26 as the head coach of the Badgers — and finished with a 43-18 Big Ten record.  Wisconsin finished either first or second in the B1G West in each of his full seasons and appeared in the conference championship three times.

Coach Dad’s brand of football isn’t for everyone, but the results are difficult to argue with. A program that needs a leader to bring them back to respectability would be foolish to pass on Paul Chryst — the third-winningest coach in Wisconsin football history.