Wisconsin names Greg Gard head coach, removing interim label

Greg Gard has done enough to officially become Bo Ryan's successor.

Wisconsin removed the interim label and named Gard the permanent head coach on Tuesday, a week after posting the position on the school's website.

"As I said many times throughout the past weeks, I've been very impressed with the job Greg has done with this team," Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez said in a statement. "It became clear to me as the season wore on and I was able to observe Greg both on and off the court that he was the right person to lead out men's basketball team."

Alvarez initially said he would conduct a thorough search for a new coach after the season, but Gard clearly changed his mind with some positive results. Leading his home-state program was something very important to Ryan's longtime assistant.

"I'm extremely thankful to coach Alvarez, the athletic board, and the board of regents for this incredible opportunity to lead my home-state program in the future," the Wisconsin native said. "I'm thankful to coach Ryan for the opportunity he gave me to be a college coach over 25 years ago. He has been a positive mentor in the professional development of my career and showed great confidence in my abilities and potential as I grew as a young coach."

After inheriting a 7-5 team in December following Ryan's surprise resignation, Gard has guided the Badgers to a 13-6 record and, likely, an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. Wisconsin enters the Big Ten tournament as one of the nation's hottest teams, winning 11 of its last 13 contests.

Gard had been an assistant coach with Wisconsin since 2001.