Barry Alvarez is a living legend for the Wisconsin Badgers and has been the most instrumental voice for Wisconsin athletics for decades. Yet, he doesn't seem to have any say in the search for the latest athletic director. He's not on the search committee put together to find the next AD, nor does he seem to have any input. The question needs to be asked, "Is this a snub?"
Sports radio ESPN host Evan Cohen seems to think so. Cohen can't believe that Alvarez wasn't included, as Wisconsin football has only been good when Alvarez is involved. Cohen reminds listeners that the best coach of all time was Barry Alvarez. The second best was Bret Bielema (who Alvarez hired and mentored). He talks about Jim Leonhard and others. There's one constant: Barry Alvarez.
Should Barry Alvarez have a voice in Wisconsin’s AD search?@EvCoRadio doesn’t think leaving the #Badgers legend off the committee makes sense:
— ESPN Madison (@ESPNMadison) May 14, 2026
“Has football at UW-Madison ever been good WITHOUT Barry Alvarez involved?”👀 pic.twitter.com/mvcAjOuLCk
Barry Alvarez is sitting on the sidelines for the search for the new athletic director
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Cohen's point is valid and probably accurate, but he's missing a few key details to at least balance the discussion. Alvarez was the man who brought in Chris McIntosh, who's received mostly mixed reviews and, in terms of football, has been terrible. Alvarez is also almost 80 years old and has been distancing himself from the insider stuff for years, on his own retirement and slowing down pace.
There are plenty of fans who aren't happy with the McIntosh and, by proxy, the hiring of him by Alvarez and then handing off the keys, disappearing into the night. However, Alvarez is allowed to slow down and retire.
This doesn't mean that Alvarez shouldn't have some sort of role, if he wants it. Cohen isn't even sure if he was invited or asked. There are reasons to maybe consider new voices in the process. Especially a voice like Chris Ballard, the Indianapolis Colts GM. College football has changed dramatically in the last decade, and Wisconsin has struggled to keep up.
New voices don't hurt, but maybe also get some insight from the living legend, if he's willing. So, the answer to the question in the article is: "Maybe, more information needs to be gathered."
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