Source: Paul Chryst Snubbed in Big Ten Offensive Coordinator Search

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Dillon Graff | Last updated 12/27/23

Former Wisconsin football head coach Paul Chryst may have to regroup and continue reevaluating his potential coaching options heading into 2024.

Based on information from a source, Chryst, initially reported by BadgerNotes.com as a top contender for the Iowa Hawkeyes’ offensive coordinator role, will not get the job after being named a finalist.

Instead, our source close to the situation shared that Kirk Ferentz intends to hire Joe Philbin, with an announcement expected to come shortly after their matchup against Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl.

If/when Iowa formally announces Philbin as its next offensive coordinator, it’s a hiring that will make sense for Kirk Ferentz, and he’s certainly more than qualified for the position his son couldn’t handle.

Philbin served as the Hawkeyes offensive line coach from 1999-2002 and understands the team’s culture. Philbin then climbed the coaching ranks in the Green Bay Packers organization, winning a Superbowl as the team’s offensive coordinator.

He would later earn the Miami Dolphins head coaching gig, leading them to a 24-28 record before being relieved of his duties. Philbin spent this past season as an offensive analyst with Ohio State.

Former Wisconsin Football Coach Paul Chryst Searching for the Right Fit.

It’s been a busy offseason for former Wisconsin football head coach and current Texas Longhorns offensive analyst Paul Chryst.

Chryst interviewed for the Northwestern head coaching job and eventually turned it down to continue exploring his options. He also interviewed for the Indiana and Oregon State vacancies. However, the schools hired Curt Cignetti and Trent Brey, respectively.

It’s unknown what direction Chryst wants to go at this point in his career, but he’s more than suitable for whatever direction he chooses.

Paul Chryst compiled a record of 67-26 and 43-18 in Big Ten play as head coach of the Wisconsin football program before his dismissal by Athletic Director Chris McIntosh in October 2022 following a 2-3 start.

His early years with the Badgers saw incredible success. Chryst had four 10+ win seasons, had two top 10 finishes, and went 6-1 in bowl games. Chryst also won twice the Big Ten Coach of the Year award and led Wisconsin football to three Big Ten West (RIP) division titles.

We’ll know soon the fate of the former Badgers head coach as it relates to the Iowa offensive coordinator vacancy, but the source who has shared this information hasn’t been wrong yet.

This article first appeared on Badger Notes and was syndicated with permission.

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