Fans react to Bielema news

GREEN BAY - A trip to Pasadena isn't the only thing on the minds of Wisconsin Badgers fans.

"I learned it from Facebook, and literally the moment I opened it up there was a huge explosion of, oh my gosh, Bielema is leaving," said University of Wisconsin senior Melanie Schibley.

The unexpected news sent shock-waves across Badger nation.

"I didn't see it coming. I was really surprised by it," explained Badger fan Mike McMunn.

Head Coach Bret Bielema is in his seventh season with the Badgers. Some fans are sad they won't see an eighth.

"It's been great the last few years, third straight Rose Bowl," said UW student James Dorrnce.

But others aren't too upset about it and question just how well the transition will be to the Southeastern Conference.

"He's a good coach, but I think he inherited a very good team and the hire at Arkansas doesn't really make sense to me," McMunn said.

"When we were talking about it, we thought it was better for Wisconsin that he left, than it was for Arkansas actually getting him," explained Keith Boucher of Green Bay.

Fans hope the news doesn't impact Badger football New Year's Day.

But they can't help but wonder who'll be on the sidelines next season.

"If they can get (former UW offensive coordinator and current University of Pittsburgh head coach) Paul Chryst that would be a good hire," McMunn explained.