FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (WTVA/AP) - Arkansas has introduced Bret Bielema as its head coach, bringing to an end a nearly eight-month search for Bobby Petrino's long-term replacement.
Bielema leaves Wisconsin after compiling a 68-24 in seven seasons, including last week's win over Nebraska in the Big Ten championship game that clinched the school's third straight Rose Bowl berth. The 42-year-old says he won't coach the Badgers in their upcoming bowl game.
The Illinois native takes over a Razorbacks program hit hard by the Petrino scandal. Petrino was fired for hiring his mistress, the team stumbled to a 4-8 finish under interim coach John L. Smith and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2007.
Bielema will receive $3.2 million annually for six seasons.
