Wisconsin basketball removes interim tag, hires Greg Gard as head coach

Bo Ryan's grand scheme worked out exactly as he planned. Wisconsin basketball has removed the interim tag from head coach Greg Gard, the school announced on Monday. Gard has signed a five-year contract after taking over the program in December and thriving in his tryout as Ryan's replacement.

Gard became Wisconsin's head coach following the Badgers' Dec. 15 win over Texas A&M CC, when the team was 7-5 on the year. After a 1-4 start to Big Ten play, the Badgers won seven straight and have since established themselves as a rock solid NCAA Tournament team.

Gard was an assistant to Ryan since 1993 at UW-Platteville and spent more than two decades coaching with Ryan at three different schools. He was regarded as one of Wisconsin's top recruiters and a leading force behind the back-to-back Final Four runs the Badgers made the last two seasons.

Gard has been on the bench for a great run of success for the Badgers. Since he's been with the program, Wisconsin is 184-74 in Big Ten play.