We've known all along since Greg Gard took over as interim head coach that Wisconsin Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez would have to make a decision on a permanent leader for their men's basketball program.
On Friday, the Badgers officially posted the job opening for men's basketball coach. It requires a "minimum of 5 years of successful collegiate basketball coaching experience preferred. Division I head coaching experience is also preferred."
Applicants have until March 3 to go after the job, meaning a six-day window to apply. The job could officially begin as early as March 8, though it would be shocking if Alvarez would hire someone just before the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.
Unless, on March 8, he picks the man who has directed UW to an 11-5 record and wins over four ranked teams, including three wins over teams ranked in the top 10.
That man: Greg Gard.
Time will tell whether Alvarez makes the potentially obvious pick or takes his time. No matter what, Gard has earned a head coaching job somewhere.
We'll see if it's in Madison, where he has taken a young team from the brink of missing the NCAA Tournament to a team that could be one of the most dangerous in all of college basketball.
