Report: Wisconsin Interviews Utah State Head Coach Gary Andersen [UPDATED]

UPDATE 9:21 p.m.: Tom Mulhern's sources tell it differently.

#Badgers set to hire Utah State's Gary Andersen. Source confirms he's the choice.

— Tom Mulhern (@TomMulhernWSJ) December 19, 2012

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UPDATE 8:52 p.m.: Well, OK then. FootballScoop.com throws some water on the Gary Andersen fire:

Sources close to the situation at Wisconsin say the conversation w Gary Andersen was "basic contact". Sources say search has moved on.

— FootballScoop Staff (@footballscoop) December 19, 2012

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Is Wisconsin close to naming a new head coach to replace Bret Bielema? It certainly appears that we're headed in that direction.

Tuesday night, a report surfaced from Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel that Wisconsin has interviewed Utah State head coach Gary Anderson for the opening. Anderson coached Utah State to an 11-2 record this season, including a perfect 6-0 mark in the WAC.

Tom Mulhern from the Wisconsin State Journal is also reporting that Andersen is a leading candidate for the position, citing two anonymous sources.

One of Utah State's two losses this season came against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium in a heartbreaking 16-14 defeat. Utah State finished its season strong, thrashing Toledo 41-15 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last Saturday.

In four seasons at Utah State, Andersen has a career record of 26-22. Prior to his time at Utah State, Andersen was the defensive coordinator at Utah, where he helped the Utes to a 13-0 record in 2008, which included a 31-17 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

According to various reports, Wisconsin has also interviewed former Badger and current Jacksonville Jaguars assistant Mel Tucker, as well as Bowling Green head coach Dave Clawson.

According to the SI report, Wisconsin is expected to fill the opening by the end of the week.

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