Gary Andersen leaves Wisconsin to become Oregon State's head coach

Wisconsin announced Wednesday that head coach Gary Andersen is leaving to take the same position at Oregon State. Andersen informed the Badgers about his move in a team meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Wisconsinannounced on Wednesday that head coach Gary Andersen is leaving to take the same position at Oregon State.

Andersen, 50, informed the Badgers about his move in a meeting on Wednesday afternoon. He will replace Mike Riley, who left the Beavers for Nebraska. 

Andersen led the Badgers to a 19-7 record (13-3 Big Ten) over two seasons. Wisconsin went 10-3 this fall and will play Auburn in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.

After the news broke, Badgers star Melvin Gordon expressed his surprise.

In a statement, Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez thanked Andersen for his time in Madison, Wis., and said he has started a "national search" for a coach.

Wisconsin hired Andersen in December 2012 after he spent the previous four seasons at Utah State. Prior to his stint with the Aggies, Andersen served as a defensive assistant at Utah.

Oregon State said that Andersen will be introduced at a press conference on Friday and that he also will appear at Saturday's men's basketball game against Mississippi State.

The Beavers went 5-7 this season.

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