Wisconsin's Dick Bennett Retires

By
Arnie Stapleton
January 7, 2006, 5:18 AM ET
3 min read

M A D I S O N, Wis., Nov. 30, 2000 -- Dick Bennett, who guided Wisconsin to anNCAA Final Four appearance earlier this year, will retire, effectiveimmediately.

He said he no longer had the drive or energy to continuecoaching after 36 years.

“I just simply was drained,” he said. “I just simply could not keep up, and it began to bother me.”

The Badgers (2-1) are ranked 23rd and have high hopes for a BigTen title run once Maurice Linton and Travon Davis, both servingNCAA suspensions for receiving extra benefits, return to the teamnext month.

First Final Four in 59 Years

The 57-year-old Bennett came to Wisconsin in 1995 after twicebeing passed over for the Badgers’ job. Before that, he spent nineyears at Wisconsin-Stevens Point and 10 seasons at Wisconsin-GreenBay.

In April, the Badgers lost to Michigan State 53-41 in the NCAAtournament semifinals, the team’s first NCAA Final Four appearancein 59 years.

Afterward, Bennett spent a week mulling retirement but decidedto return for a sixth season, saying: “I think it’s still in God’splans for me. I want to be a Badger.”

Before the Badgers made their unexpected run to the Final Fourin Indianapolis, Bennett received harsh criticism in Wisconsin forhis antiquated style of play and his perceived shortcomings inrecruiting. Unlike many coaches, Bennett admits he hears criticismand is hurt by it.

In truth, Bennett made the Badgers respectable after decades ofineptitude. Under his tenure, Wisconsin went to the NCAA tournamentthree times after just three visits in the previous 97 years. Hislast two teams are the two winningest in school history.

Bennett was among the college game’s most respected tacticiansfor his heavily defensive system that puts premiums on team playand execution. He finished with a career record of 453-258,including a 93-69 mark in Madison.

Achieving Coaching Success

Bennett had four years remaining on a contract that includes abase salary of about $150,000 and another $210,000 in income fromshoe, TV and radio deals.

Bennett’s last two teams each won a school-record 22 games. NoWisconsin team had won more than 20 games before Bennett’s tenure.

He also has directed the Badgers to 24 victories over Top 25opposition, including a 78-75 victory over No. 13 Maryland onWednesday night at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

Bennett’s Badgers have led the Big Ten in scoring defense forfour straight seasons and have finished among the top five in thenation in that category three times.

He has lived in Wisconsin since childhood, and he spent a decadecoaching high school basketball in the state before moving toStevens Point.

Two of his children followed him into coaching. A daughter,Kathi, is the Indiana women’s basketball coach. His son, Tony, isWisconsin’s assistant coach.