What they are saying

Former Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema got the Badgers to three consecutive Rose Bowls, losing to TCU in 2011 and to Oregon in 2012 before making it to the 2013 version against Stanford with a victory over Nebraska in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Former Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema got the Badgers to three consecutive Rose Bowls, losing to TCU in 2011 and to Oregon in 2012 before making it to the 2013 version against Stanford with a victory over Nebraska in Indianapolis on Saturday.

— WRITERS

“So [Bret] Bielema played this exactly right. He gave Wisconsin seven years, brought the program to its ceiling and left before bumping his head on it. Now he’s got a new challenge at a school with plenty of resources and a fan base that will unite behind him. It’s a fresh start, and a lucrative one at that. In a sport where a coach can get fired two years after winning a national title, that’s never a bad thing.”

Dave Wolken, USA Today

“He is a no-nonsense head coach that isn’t afraid to speak his mind and be bold, when warranted.

“When rising senior Russell Wilson left N.C. State and became a free-agrent quarterback, Bielema lured him to Madison and it resulted in a Big Ten title. He did the same thing with former Maryland quarterback Danny O’Brien last offseason. While the O’Brien experience didn’t work out the way he had planned, his aggressiveness to continually make his team better is apparent in everything he does.”

Barrett Sallee, leacherReport.com

“... maybe this is a sign that almost any job in the SEC is better than a great job in the Big Ten. ... No matter what happens with the Wisconsin job, this is a pretty embarrassing blow to the school. It might be even more embarrassing to the Big Ten.”

Frank Schwab, Yahoo!sports TWEETERS

“That was quick!!! Thanks twit fam the best source of info. Congrads to Coach Bielema. Best of luck #WPS”

Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys

“And like that its on. Yes sir”

Kiero Small, Arkansas fullback

“Arkansas going with Bielema sends loud message. They want toughness & defense. SEC style”

David Pollack, ESPN

“Arkansas hire is a great one and long is to be congratulated. The Recruiting concerns are overstated here. The guy knows how to win. Period!”

Tim Brando, CBS

“#Badgers source also tells me #bretbielema knew at least two weeks ago that he was leaving, but was weighing “a couple” SEC schools.”

Rick Pizzo, Big Ten Network

“All good we finally have a coach I’m so excited the search is over #razorbacks”

John Daly

“Unsolicited tip to Jeff Long (seen previous coaches introduced): Prepare Bielema before calling the Hogs. Can be very unsettling to newbies.”

George Schroeder, USA Today

“Goodness the SEC just added another unique individual in Bielema. A blessing for the sportswriters in Arkansas”

FootballScoop

“Maybe Bret Bielemna was bored. I can lose five games and STILL go to the Rose Bowl? I’m out of here. PAY ME.”

Jim Rome

“I thought Bret Bielema hated how the SEC recruits? This should be interesting”

Edward Ashoff, ESPN

“We gone be real next year!!”

Otha Peters, Arkansas linebacker

“I’m excited about this decision! #WPS”

Tevin Mitchel, Arkansas defensive back

“And wisconsin offered me out of hs... I like it”

Jonathan Williams, Arkansas running back

“Oh yea fasho!!...we in here!!”

Trey Flowers, Arkansas defensive end

“Happy Happy Happy! Bielema to Arkansas #WPS #GoHogs #WooPigSooie useing the Fullback!”

Morgan Linton, Arkansas fullback

“Bielema doubles his salary, better conference, A+ facilities, no academic roadblocks and is surrounded by more talent rich states. Why not?”

Colin Cowherd, ESPN

“This is no charmer like Houston Nutt or mad scientist like Bobby Petrino. “This is Joe Sixpack, with a booming baritone and a cocky edge. “He’ll go right at Nick Saban and Les Miles, not to mention Kevin Sumlin. He may lack polish in certain areas as a head coach — late-game clock management has been an issue — but he won’t be intimidated. Bielema is confident to the core.”

Steve Greenberg, Sporting News

“Bielema’s philosophy figures to fit in well in the SEC. If he follows his Wisconsin ways, Arkansas can look forward to a crushing ground game to go along with a solid defense. Sounds a lot like a certain defending national champion. “Makes sense. The last sitting Big Ten coach to leave for the SEC was Nick Saban in 2000.”

Dennis Dodd, cbssports.com

Sports, Pages 22 on 12/05/2012

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