McIntosh's Sudden Departure: What's Next for Badger Athletics?

On April 16th, Chris McIntosh just stepped down as athletic director at the University of Wisconsin to take an admin job with the Big Ten Conference.

The move hit out of nowhere, effective right away, with zero leaks or hands beforehand.

Even Barry Alvarez, the Badger's legend who coached football and ran the department before, got blindsided.

He learned about it same time as everyone else when it dropped publicly.

On a local radio show this week, Alvarez said he was shocked, just like the fans, and had no clue it was coming.

McIntosh called him later that day, but Alvarez couldn't say why his former protégé would bounce after only five years on the job.

Alvarez handpicked McIntosh back in 2021 after grooming him from his days as an all-American tackle on those title-winning teams.

Now, Alvarez sounds neutral, saying it's McIntosh's choice and he's not disappointed.

This points to some real tension behind the scenes, maybe funding shortfalls or football slipping against rivals, leaving folks wondering what's next, for Badger Athletics.