:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8940085/126151739.0.jpg)
Wisconsin tight ends coach Jay Boulware is leaving for Oklahoma after less than two months with the Badgers, according to a press release from the Sooners.
Boulware was Gary Andersen's second-to-last hire for his inaugural coaching staff at Wisconsin, as his hire came in the second week of January. Previously, Boulware was the special teams coordinator at Auburn under Gene Chizik, but he was not retained after the Tigers went 3-9. Boulware and Andersen also had some familiarity with each other, as they worked with each other on the same Utah staffs in 2005 and 2006.
Oklahoma's release unsurprisingly has no mention of Boulware's "tenure" at Wisconsin, and Boulware's statement also is without reference to the Badgers.
"I have the utmost respect for Coach Stoops and his program at the University of Oklahoma," said Boulware. "To have a chance to join the Oklahoma staff is an unbelievable professional and personal opportunity. I'm looking forward to the start of spring practice and the chance to work with the talented student-athletes and coaches on OU's roster."
Boulware, an Irving, Texas, native, seemed set to recruit Florida for the Badgers. He was also credited for the recruiting of grayshirt tight end Troy Fumagalli from Aurora, IL.
It should be noted Boulware is a Oklahoma City, Okla., native, so this could be somewhat of a return home. Boulware was going to make $225,000 at UW, though it seems premature to reignite the discussion of Wisconsin's assistant coach pay that Bret Bielema triggered once he departed for Arkansas. At least until we see what he makes at Oklahoma. Right? Boulware did seem pumped to be in Madison back in January: