Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez says he will not fire Mike Eaves after 4-26-5 season

According to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal, UW athletic director Barry Alvarez said he will not fire men's hockey coach Mike Eaves.

UW athletic director Barry Alvarez said he’s "very comfortable’’ in saying Eaves will return for his 14th season as coach "if he chooses to be back.’’

But Alvarez made it clear the current state of the team is "unacceptable’’ and Eaves will have to "tear that program apart and sit down and explain how we get that back on track.’’

The Badgers finished the season with a modern-era program low record of 4-26-5, and closed out the season on an eight-game winless streak in which they scored just five goals over that span.

Alvarez told the State Journal he will meet with Eaves as soon as possible, and that the current season was not up to the standards of the program.

"It's unacceptable to be where we are right now with the wherewithal we have and the tradition we have here.''

In 13 seasons behind the Wisconsin bench, Eaves has a record of 259-206-58. During his tenure, the Badgers have won one national championship (2006), played in two Frozen Four's (2006 and 2010) and made the NCAA tournament seven times.

"I can't lose confidence in a coach that has had as much success as he's had,'' Alvarez told the State Journal.

For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)