Former Badger has been a part of the coaching staff for three years
Ben Strickland, a former Wisconsin defensive back who spent the last three seasons on the Badger coaching staff, is in his first year as a full-time assistant coach. Strickland will assist with the defensive secondary and be involved with special teams.
"Since I arrived in Madison I've been impressed with Ben, first as a player and team captain, then as a high school coach and for the last three years as a member of our staff," Bielema said. "I have watched him grow personally and professionally. He exhibits great leadership and is a tremendous teacher. Our kids really respond to him. I'm thrilled to be able to give Ben his first opportunity at a full-time job."
Strickland spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant working with the defense. He returned to Wisconsin is 2009, serving as the team's defensive quality control coordinator.
"When Coach Bielema presented this opportunity to me I was very humbled by it," Strickland said. "To be able to play for my home state school, a school I loved growing up, get my start in coaching here and then bring it full circle and be hired on full-time is a dream come true for me. It's something I feel very fortunate about and something I have worked hard for. I'm going to continue to work hard and do what's best for the program and what's best for these kids."
A former walk-on, Strickland was elected team captain as a senior in 2007. A four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Strickland played in 51 games as a Badger on special teams and as a defensive back. He finished his career with 72 tackles, eight passes defensed and one interception.
On special teams he blocked and recovered a punt in the 2007 Capital One Bowl. He also recovered a blocked punt in the end zone to cap a dramatic comeback win at Minnesota in 2005, a play that was later named Pontiac's Game-Changing Performance of the Year.
Strickland graduated from UW in December 2007 with a degree in special education and is finishing his master's degree in educational leadership. Following graduation, he spent a year teaching at Wayzata High School in Minnesota and coached defensive backs at Minnetonka High School.
Strickland and his wife, Laura, were married last summer and live in Madison.
