Report: Browns interviewed Andersen
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin head football coach Gary Andersen interviewed with the Cleveland Browns for the same position, a UW spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
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Andersen issued a statement through the athletics department:
"Officials from the Cleveland Browns contacted me to talk about their head coaching vacancy. After our initial conversation, I decided not to pursue the position. I am committed to the University of Wisconsin and the student-athletes in our program. I love the city of Madison and am grateful for all the support from Badgers fans around the state and around the country. I look forward to the start of spring football in a couple weeks and turning the focus to preparing for 2014."
Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez also issued a statement through the athletics department:
"I'm appreciative that Gary handled all of this the right way. He alerted me immediately that he had been contacted by the Browns and affirmed his commitment to the University of Wisconsin. When you have talented coaches on your roster, there will always be people who want to talk to them. I think that Gary is one of the top coaches in the country and am glad that he is leading our team."
Details and specifics of the interview including time and place have yet to be made public, but the Browns eventually went another route to fill their head coaching vacancy by agreeing to terms with former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine on January 23.
On Jan. 24, Andersen had his contract with Wisconsin extended through January 31, 2019.
Along with the extension, Andersen received a $100,000 raise in salary, but that had nothing to do with the Browns interview. The language in Andersen's contract states that each year he is to receive a $100,000 bonus.
The Badgers begin spring practice, with Andersen as head coach, on March 7.
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