OFFICIAL: Bob Bostad returning to Wisconsin

Bob Bostad, who spent two seasons coaching tight ends at Wisconsin in 2006 and 2007 before overseeing the offensive line from 2008 to 2011, is returning to the Badgers as Paul Chryst's inside linebackers coach, according to a release by the university Friday.

"I've had the privilege to work with Bob for a number of years," Chryst said in a video release through the school. "I know who he is as a coach, as a person and I think it's a great fit.

"He's been here and knows the type of kids that have had success at Wisconsin. Couldn't be more excited to have Bob here."

This will be Bostad's second coaching stint at Wisconsin, but his first on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, this will be Bostad's first coaching job on defense in his career - he played linebacker for UW-Stevens Point from 1986 t0 1989. But since entering coaching in 1990 as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Bostad has coached only on the offensive side of the ball - mostly offensive line or tight ends.

"There will be a learning curve and all that, and I hope to kind of take the edge off here in the spring and all that stuff," Bostad said in the same release. "Get to know the base defense and the calls and the fits and the coverages and all those things. But after that, I think it's going to come down to - just like any other position - it's going to come down to the details."

Bostad will take over one of the most experienced position groups on the team. T.J. Edwards, Jack Cichy, Chris Orr and Ryan Connelly all have starting experience, with Griffin Grady, Nick Thomas and Jake Whalen behind them.

"It seems like a blue-collar group - tough guys, finish guys," Bostad said. "So I like that mentality and what they're going to bring to the table."

Bostad’s Coaching Career

1990-91: Offensive Line, UW-Stevens Point

1992-94: Graduate Assistant (Offensive Line), Minnesota

1995-96: Offensive Line, California State Northridge

1997: Offensive Line, San Jose State

1998: Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line, San Jose State

1999-2005: Offensive Line, New Mexico

2006-07: Tight Ends, Wisconsin

2008-11: Offensive Line, Wisconsin

2012-13: Offensive Line, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2014-15: Offensive Line, Tennessee Titans

2016: Tight Ends/Fullbacks, Northern Illinois

2017: Inside Linebackers, Wisconsin