Wisconsin Learns a Lesson in Contracts from Bielema Departure

Perhaps this year’s biggest surprise in the college football coaching carousel, was Bret Bielema leaving Wisconsin to become the head coach at Arkansas. 

Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez mentioned a simple, but important lesson that the school learned from the situation:

• include a “permission to contact” clause in future coaching contracts, requiring Wisconsin coaches to seek and receive permission from their Athletic Director before discussing opportunities with other schools.

Such a clause was included in the contract between Marist College and former basketball coach Matt Brady, which was the subject of a lawsuit between the parties.