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Note: Article originally published Friday, December 12th

With news, first reported by Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, that former Badgers offensive coordinator and current Pitt head coach Paul Chryst will be hired as the next head football coach at the University of Wisconsin, we checked in with high school coaches around the state for their reaction.

Chryst was born and raised in the state, attended UW, and was a highly successful offensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2005 to 2011, when the Badgers and their players set numerous school, conference, and national records. The University of Wisconsin has not officially announced his hire as of yet, and Athletic Director Barry Alvarez issued a statement today that pursuant to UW policies, they won't officially make any offer to any candidate until the job posting closes on December 17th.

Following are comments from state high school coaches on reports of Chryst's hire:

Dan Brunner, Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Executive Director:  "As soon as Gary Andersen announced that he was going to Oregon State, the first person that came to mind as the guy that the coaches in the State would want as the new coach was Paul Chryst. I'm delighted that came to fruition. Paul's Dad, George, was one of the finest men and coaches that I've ever been associated with while he was the head coach at Platteville. Paul has followed in his footsteps as a man and coach with high integrity. Paul was always a great asset to the WFCA during his time as a coordinator at UW. I truly believe that the relationship between the WFCA and the UW program will be outstanding. I think Paul will rebuild the fence around Wisconsin that Coach Alvarez always talked about. UW is fortunate to get him back."

Jeff Mazurczak, Marquette:  "Paul Chryst will be great for Wisconsin Football! Paul has a great football mind and a rich football family legacy. His first task in securing a staff should be to retain a number of current assistants, especially David Aranda and Ben Strickland. In addition, he should steal Jake Moreland from Air Force, if he wants to build a really strong staff that knows high school football in the state! Marquette High is very proud to have four players on the Badger roster right now and we would like to continue that tradition."

Rob Salm, Appleton North:  "I have had the pleasure to work with Coach Chryst at the high school football camps and could not have been more impressed. Beyond his incredible knowledge of the game of football, he is a great person. He is the perfect fit for the University of Wisconsin and our proud football program. He understands what it will take to win here. He is highly respected and well connected. I'm confident he can bring in high quality coaches to make this happen."

Jed Kennedy, Brookfield Central:  "I was ecstatic when I heard Coach Chryst's name being the guy for the job at Wisconsin. Coach Chryst is a Wisconsin guy and will know what it takes to be successful here. I think the relationship between the new staff at UW and the high school coaches will get back to how it was under Coach Alvarez and Coach Bielema. It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that the players from Wisconsin are the backbone to Wisconsin's program. When you mix some great national recruits, it's a recipe for success. I did not have the chance to meet Coach Andersen, but the sentiment among coaches in the state is that Wisconsin kids were not a priority of his; I think the number of current scholarship offers certainly proves that."

Steve Jones, Kimberly:  "I'm very excited about this hire. I feel that Paul Chryst will be outstanding for the Wisconsin football program for a couple reasons. I have had the opportunity to speak with Coach Chryst a few times and he seems like a very personable, down to earth type of person.  With Coach Chryst's strong Wisconsin roots, I feel that he understands the talent that the student-athletes in our state possess. He has shown that by extending scholarship offers to high school players in our state during his time at the University of Pittsburgh."

Brian Kaminski, Sun Prairie:  "This is a good hire for the University of Wisconsin. You're getting a great X's-and-O's coach. He understands what it takes to be successful in the state of Wisconsin through his prior experiences. He has a great history in the state and is very well respected among the coaching community. It's very apparent he was at the top of the very short list."

Dave Keel, Homestead:  "Paul Chryst is a great hire for UW football - Paul has always had a special relationship with Wisconsin High School coaches. As offensive coordinator previously, Paul was very approachable and always willing to help in any way possible. I am very excited Coach Chryst is returning to Wisconsin. Coach Alvarez did a fantastic job getting Coach back."

Mike Bartholomew, Oak Creek:  "It’s what I expected, and I’m excited about it. I think he will bring back the “Wall around Wisconsin” in regards to recruiting that Alvarez created when he was in the position. He will be able to put together a great staff and he knows and understands that Wisconsin is a special place. I can’t speak for all the coaches in Wisconsin, but I do know that many of us are thrilled with the hire."

Clay Iverson, Mukwonago:  "Coach Chryst is a great coach with really strong Wisconsin ties. His old man was a great Wing-T coach at Platteville and the Chryst family is a Wisconsin football family, which the coaches and I think players in this state will really like. Paul knows what it takes to get it done, and done right at Wisconsin. Plus Coach Alvarez can't take a shot on losing another coach - although people that think that is the only reason Paul got this job are wrong. He is a veteran coach, with experience and has paid his dues. I think the coaches association will be thrilled to have him back."

Jeramie Korth, Menasha:  "My initial thought is - Wow! In light of a difficult week for Wisconsin Football, they totally come out on top on this one! From what we know from the past, the Badgers are again in great hands with Coach Chryst coming home. I think many people in Wisconsin can breath a sigh of relief. Recruits, alumni, coaches, and fans now have a coach that they feel will be here for the long haul. I have heard nothing but great things about Paul Chryst from players (that have played for him) and coaches! I personally have enjoyed listening to him speak on a number of occasions! On Wisconsin!"

John Hoch, Lancaster:  "Great to get a Wisconsin person with Wisconsin ties and values – hard work and determination will lead to success."

Joe La Buda, Menomonie:  "Coach Alvarez nailed it right on the head with this hire. Paul knows what type of players it takes to consistently win at UW. He also understands how to recruit the state, and is highly regarded by the high school coaches. He has Wisconsin roots, great character, & he will more than likely be here for the long haul. He will be very accepted by the Badger faithful, and will have tremendous backing from the high school coaches in the state. I don't think they could have made a better hire, or found a better fit for Wisconsin."

Steve Rux, Waukesha West:  "It is obvious with the hire of Paul Chryst, Wisconsin football is going to be just fine. Paul is a Wisconsin guy and understands the style of play that has made Wisconsin one of the best programs in the country and the caliber of student-athlete that Wisconsin is able to recruit. The High School Coaches of Wisconsin are familiar with Coach Chryst from his years as a coordinator. He was the first person I thought of when I heard that Coach Anderson had stepped down. I know above all else he is a man of integrity and strong character. He is a perfect fit for Wisconsin."

Gary Westerman, Bay Port:  "I could not be more excited to have Paul coming back. Wisconsin football has been built on in-state kids and walk on development. I know Coach Chryst will develop the relationships with state coaches, that had been lost the last few years."