We're still trying to get our head around the fact that Bret Bielema is now the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. His new contract is reportedly a six-year deal, worth $3.2 million annually, which is a raise over the $2.5 million he was paid in Madison.
Barry Alvarez and Wisconsin have released a statement. As have Jeff Long and Arkansas.
As you can imagine, the news sparked a Twitter eruption this afternoon. Here's a look at what the Twitterverse had to say about Bielema's departure.
Pat Forde with the tweet heard 'round the world.
Yahoo! Sports exclusive: Bret Bielema leaving Wisconsin for Arkansas.yhoo.it/TDY9yU More to come
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) December 4, 2012
Does not compute.
Bret Bielema had a problem with Urban Meyer's agressive recruiting. Wait until he's surrounded by 13 other piranhas in the SEC.
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) December 4, 2012
@BeingBielema weighs in.
Madtown, it's not you, it's me. I love you all but the #Bieledong needs to roam.I plan on getting a "W" on my other calf. #OnWisconsin
— BeingBielema (@BeingBielema) December 4, 2012
Of course this is Delany's fault.
Bielema's not running from Urban. He's running from Maryland and Rutgers, you guys.
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) December 4, 2012
We're left to face cold hard realities.
Bielema going to Arkansas also means Jerry Kill is no longer the coach who looks the most like his team's mascot.
— Ramzy Nasrallah (@ramzy) December 4, 2012
It's a lulz parade.
"Oh no, that's right." - Bret Bielema, upon hearing that Illinois, Indiana, and Purdue are off the schedule
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) December 4, 2012
Yup.
Bret Bielema is gonna get forklift fat.
— edsbs (@edsbs) December 4, 2012
Ohio State tackle Reid Fragel weighs in.
Scared him right out of the Big Ten...
— Reid Fragel (@Fragel77) December 4, 2012
The BTN's Rick Pizzo with more shocking news.
#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 (@BTNRickPizzo) December 4, 2012
@BeingBielema is feeling it.
What's up shitstick? @lsucoachmiles
— BeingBielema (@BeingBielema) December 4, 2012
Too easy.
I can picture Bert Bielema at Arkansas already. "Woo Pig...wait, pig, where? I'm hungry."
— Zo (@ZoForeman) December 4, 2012
Indeed.
Sources say Bielema all but certain to leave last week, thus 70 UW hung in B10CG was heck of an exit.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 4, 2012
Great day to be a Buckeye fan!
Folks, your Leaders division: 1. Ohio State 2. Zombie Penalty 3. Coach Bailed, 4. Coach Fired 5. Basketball season here yet? 6. 0-8
— Kevin (@thefolkist) December 4, 2012
No, really.
Bielema finishes his Wisconsin career 1-5 vs. Ohio State.
— Tom Orr (@TomOrr4) December 4, 2012
Former Badger J.J. Watt with encouraging words for Wisconsin fans.
Badger Nation will be fine. #OnWisconsin
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 4, 2012
This would actually be pretty cool.
#Badgers source tells me Barry Alvarez will consider returning to coach #rosebowl as a "figurehead who wouldn't call plays."#bretbielema
— Rick Pizzo (@BTNRickPizzo) December 4, 2012
Seriously.
One UW player in a text: 'We would love Barry to coach us in Pasadena.' Me: 'Why?' Player: '3-0'
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 4, 2012
PEACE!
RT @bretbielema ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
— Erin Sorensen (@helloerinmarie) December 4, 2012
We'll have more as this story develops.
Comments
I love Kevin's tweet. Yep. Welcome to the B1G Rutgers and Maryland. Good bye Bielema.
Serious question, though, how many kittens will he have when SEC recruiting practices start to kick in?
Why no Kirby Smart? Maybe because I am a B1G football fan, but I am just not impressed with this move if I am a Razorback fan. But apparently they are.
He's gotta be better than John L., right?
You can kill a fly with your slipper or a cannon. Either way, the fly dies. -Ramzy
I guess Bret Bielema forgot his gentlemen's agreement with the University of Wisconsin.
hah! zing.
"It's a double-barreled pistol that fires hard work and victory..."
We took Urb form the SEC. The SEC took Bielema from the B1G. Hmmm, which conference got the better end of the deal?
When you weigh the options, the SEC seems to get more
iseewhatyoudidthere
Lol! Well played sir... Well played...
I was literally about to type this same response. I'll just do a golf clap as a congratulatory showing of my appreciation for the Bielema fat jokes instead.
Or I can do an internet ::HIGH FIVE:: to all of those around. Either way, it works for me.
ZING
"You're pissed because we went after a committed guy? Guess what, we got 9 guys who better go do it again," said Meyer. "Do it a little harder next time."
This guy simultaneously makes SEC worse and better... The small amount of steals Arkansas could generate from the bigger teams in that conference has basically closed to zero now. So one of their programs downgrade while handing easier recruiting to the others making them just a bit more powerful.
Bret Dielemma.
Seriously, from the man who says "We don't want to be like the SEC in any way, shape, or form". A hypocrite, a dumbass, and a platypus. But good riddance, Arkansas will be asking for their money back in three years.
Not to be confused with a walrus. With both the walrus and the platypus leaving the B1G, who will step us as the next warm blooded mammal that everyone thinks is cold blooded? Perhaps a coach will emerge that resembles a seal?
Over/under 4.5 years before he leaves Arkansas
under.
I can't see Arkansas getting more than 8 wins in any of the next 3 or 4 years with the current state of the Razorbacks program after getting John L'd (never mind having to compete with Miles and Saban). And for some reason Arkansas fans believe they should be competing for the SEC crown every year.
3 or 4 years
maybe even just 2
didn't play Georgia or Florida this year either... yikes. going with the under on this one.
theDuke
Under. I say two years and he's gone. I can't wait to see how he gets along with those good ol' boys down there.
The only coach I can think of recently who failed so miserably as to not get another chance was Ron Prince. As long as Bielema only moderately fails at Arkansas, I don't think anyone will hold his exit from Wisconsin against him so much as to not hire him. It's the nature of the business.
Under, I give him 3 years and given the way he left Wiscy I see it being difficult for him to find another decent job for a while.
The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. - Woody Hayes
Lolz. I don't know who is more of the fool, Bielema, Arkansas in general, or that old hillbilly Bobby Petrino.
GO BUCKS
I'm very confused as to why Arkansas thinks this is a good hire. Upgrade over John L. for sure, but is Bert the long term answer? Good to be a Buckeye.
It's because of his unique ability to develop a young quarterback....wait, what?
At least he can bring his sweet stash of red windbreakers with him. Just has to put hog emblems over the badgers. Good riddance you big douchebag. Saban can't wait to get his hands on "your" recruits.
Bielema's first play at Arkansas will use 4 TE's.
Direct snap to RB. 5 tight ends
I'm pretty sure this is just another case of Arkansas doing college football another favor...
SEE: John L. Smith
theDuke
WHAT THE F$%^K?!!!
Right out of left field.
How the hell am I going to hate Wisconsin now?
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
You are just going to have to focus and concentrate. There is plenty of hatred left for other schools besides scUM if you channel your negative energy and use proper distribution techniques.
It's Delaney's attempt to weaken the SEC.
"There's a fine line between perception and reality." -- Luke Fickell
I upgraded you, but felt that wasn't enough. Bravo, sir. F'ing bravo.
Always the smartest man in the room.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
How soon before Arkansas is being investigated for recruiting violations? The fox has shed his sheep gear. It won't be easy recruiting against those top notch SEC programs. I find it hilarious that Bielema knew two weeks ago, but was weighing a couple other SEC schools. So you're telling me Bret, you selected Arkansas over Tenn or Auburn? LOL Yeah OK
probably Kentucky - maybe he sees himself as the next Bear
All I can picture is Meyer/Kiffin gif. Maybe someone with more computer savy could post
"I'll fire when I'm god damn good and ready! You got that?" - Pete "Maverick" Mitchel
Sorry, gif file too large >2Mb.
However, here is the link:
http://i47.tinypic.com/148ksw1.gif
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
I think this is all a part of Jim Delany's plan. He is going to export B1G size and sloth to the SEC. Evil genius.
Next look for Grady Hoke to take a job in Dixie.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Reid Fragel takes home the first place ribbon.
I wonder if anyone will count how many time BB turns his head when the crowd shouts "Soooeeee Pig!!!".
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
I salute your wit
If Beliema was considering "other" SEC schools, you mean to tell me he chose Arky over Tennessee and Auburn?
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Tennessee is a dumpster fire and Auburn may have to pay up soon with the NCAA. I actually see ArKANSAS as the best option.
Still. Rocky Top has the recruiting advantage and is closer to the high schools where his type of players tend to come from. IMHO Tenn would have fit best