We're still trying to get our head around the fact that Bret Bielema is now the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. His new contract is reportedly a six-year deal, worth $3.2 million annually, which is a raise over the $2.5 million he was paid in Madison.
Barry Alvarez and Wisconsin have released a statement. As have Jeff Long and Arkansas.
As you can imagine, the news sparked a Twitter eruption this afternoon. Here's a look at what the Twitterverse had to say about Bielema's departure.
Pat Forde with the tweet heard 'round the world.
Yahoo! Sports exclusive: Bret Bielema leaving Wisconsin for Arkansas.yhoo.it/TDY9yU More to come
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) December 4, 2012
Does not compute.
Bret Bielema had a problem with Urban Meyer's agressive recruiting. Wait until he's surrounded by 13 other piranhas in the SEC.
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) December 4, 2012
@BeingBielema weighs in.
Madtown, it's not you, it's me. I love you all but the #Bieledong needs to roam.I plan on getting a "W" on my other calf. #OnWisconsin
— BeingBielema (@BeingBielema) December 4, 2012
Of course this is Delany's fault.
Bielema's not running from Urban. He's running from Maryland and Rutgers, you guys.
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) December 4, 2012
We're left to face cold hard realities.
Bielema going to Arkansas also means Jerry Kill is no longer the coach who looks the most like his team's mascot.
— Ramzy Nasrallah (@ramzy) December 4, 2012
It's a lulz parade.
"Oh no, that's right." - Bret Bielema, upon hearing that Illinois, Indiana, and Purdue are off the schedule
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) December 4, 2012
Yup.
Bret Bielema is gonna get forklift fat.
— edsbs (@edsbs) December 4, 2012
Ohio State tackle Reid Fragel weighs in.
Scared him right out of the Big Ten...
— Reid Fragel (@Fragel77) December 4, 2012
The BTN's Rick Pizzo with more shocking news.
#Badgers source also tells me #bretbielema knew at least two weeks ago that he was leaving, but was weighing "a couple" SEC schools.
— Rick Pizzo (@BTNRickPizzo) December 4, 2012
@BeingBielema is feeling it.
What's up shitstick? @lsucoachmiles
— BeingBielema (@BeingBielema) December 4, 2012
Too easy.
I can picture Bert Bielema at Arkansas already. "Woo Pig...wait, pig, where? I'm hungry."
— Zo (@ZoForeman) December 4, 2012
Indeed.
Sources say Bielema all but certain to leave last week, thus 70 UW hung in B10CG was heck of an exit.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) December 4, 2012
Great day to be a Buckeye fan!
Folks, your Leaders division: 1. Ohio State 2. Zombie Penalty 3. Coach Bailed, 4. Coach Fired 5. Basketball season here yet? 6. 0-8
— Kevin (@thefolkist) December 4, 2012
No, really.
Bielema finishes his Wisconsin career 1-5 vs. Ohio State.
— Tom Orr (@TomOrr4) December 4, 2012
Former Badger J.J. Watt with encouraging words for Wisconsin fans.
Badger Nation will be fine. #OnWisconsin
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 4, 2012
This would actually be pretty cool.
#Badgers source tells me Barry Alvarez will consider returning to coach #rosebowl as a "figurehead who wouldn't call plays."#bretbielema
— Rick Pizzo (@BTNRickPizzo) December 4, 2012
Seriously.
One UW player in a text: 'We would love Barry to coach us in Pasadena.' Me: 'Why?' Player: '3-0'
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 4, 2012
PEACE!
RT @bretbielema ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
— Erin Sorensen (@helloerinmarie) December 4, 2012
We'll have more as this story develops.
