Wisconsin extends football coach Bret Bielema’s contract through 2014 season

Wisconsin’s Bielema has contract extended

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin has extended coach Bret Bielema’s contract through Jan. 31, 2015, after the Badgers finished the season ranked 16th and won the Champs Sports Bowl.

Bielema took over in 2006 as the hand-picked successor of coach Barry Alvarez, who is now the athletic director at the school. In his first four years, Bielema’s teams are 38-14 overall.

That includes a 2-2 record in bowl games after Wisconsin beat Miami 20-14 on Dec. 29 to finish 10-3.

Expectations will be high next season for the Badgers, who return 10 starters on offense and six on defense.