Wisconsin announces lengthy contract extension for Paul Chryst, two other coaches

The University of Wisconsin Athletic Board met on Friday afternoon and approved the contract extensions of three of its coaches: Wisconsin head football coach Paul Chryst, Badger head volleyball coach Kelly Sheffield, and their women’s head soccer coach, Paula Wilkins. The school announced the news in a press release on Friday afternoon.

All three head coaches had their contracts extended for five years, through January 31, 2027. Paul Chryst has enjoyed a very impressive run as the Badgers’ head football coach, posting a 56-19 (74 percent) overall record. He’s already earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors twice. Chryst also became just the third head coach in Big Ten history to win at least 50 games in his first five seasons on the job.

He’s a native of Madison, Wisconsin and he also suited up for the Badgers during his playing days. Under his watch, he’s guided the Badgers to three Big Ten West Division crowns in five seasons. His best season came in 2017, when the Badgers finished with a 13-1 overall record and finished ranked No. 7 in the final AP poll.

The Badgers have produced 16 All-Americans during his tenure in Wisconsin, including 12 first team All-American selections.

Wisconsin’s head volleyball coach, Kelly Sheffield, has established the program among the nation’s elite during his eight years at the school. The Badgers just won their first ever national championship on Dec. 19 over Nebraska.

Sheffield has also guided the program to three Final Fours (2013, 2019, and 2020). In each of his eight seasons at Wisconsin, the team has finished ranked inside the top 12 nationally. He’s also won three Big Ten Championships (2014, 2019, and 2020).

2019 was a season to remember for the Badger volleyball program, as they advanced to the national championship match for the third time in program history. Sheffield has had 32 players earn All-America honors for Wisconsin during his tenure with the team.

The Badgers’ women’s soccer coach, Paula Wilkins, has established herself as one of the top soccer coaches in women’s college soccer. Since being hired at Wisconsin since 2007, she’s guided the team to the second round of the NCAA tournament three times (2014, 2016, and 2017). She also took them to the Sweet 16 in 2018 and 2021.

One of the biggest success stories of Wilkins’ career at Wisconsin is the soccer career of former Badger Rose Lavelle. She was the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League after being selected by the Boston Breakers, becoming the first ever player in school history to be selected first in any professional league.